Head-to-head · Payroll APIs
Worklio vs Pinwheel
Worklio leads on 0 checks, Pinwheel on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreWorklio · 8.7/10
- Most featuresPinwheel · 2 of 4
Worklio scores higher on our rubric for payroll apis: 8.7 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #8.
Worklio is the better fit for payroll providers embedding multi-client payroll. Pinwheel is the better fit for fintechs accessing payroll data and paystubs.
- Worklio fits best
Payroll providers embedding multi-client payroll
- Pinwheel fits best
Fintechs accessing payroll data and paystubs
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Side by side
| Feature | Worklio 8.7/10 Visit ↗ | Pinwheel 7.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.7 | 7.8 |
| Ranking | #3 in Payroll APIs | #8 in Payroll APIs |
| Best for | Payroll providers embedding multi-client payroll | Fintechs accessing payroll data and paystubs |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | From $5/user/mo | Pricing on request |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Android, iOS | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Docs | |
| Compliance | SOC 2, ISO 27001, 2FA | SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS |
| Built for | Mid-market, Enterprise | Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Worklio 0/4 · Pinwheel 2/4 | ||
| Payroll data access | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Payroll processing | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Pay calculation | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Worker onboarding | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Connection method | Not checked yet | Both |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Worklio provides cloud payroll and workforce-management infrastructure for PEOs, ASOs, payroll bureaus, staffing firms, and software partners. Its multi-tenant design supports payroll operations across clients and EINs, alongside HR… Read the review → |
Pinwheel provides payroll connectivity infrastructure for banks, fintechs, lenders, and other financial platforms. With a consumer’s permission, its APIs retrieve income, employment, current and historical paystub data, and payroll tax… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Worklio — where it wins
- Handles payroll across multiple clients and EINs with tax filing support
- Combines benefits, self-service, onboarding, and time tracking
- Offers REST APIs, webhooks, white-label UI, and branded mobile apps
Where it doesn't
- The $5 per-user monthly starting price is a module MSRP, not a packaged quote
- Partners set their own prices, and setup, usage, or volume terms may apply
- Published support channels list documentation, not 24/7 support
Pinwheel — where it wins
- Retrieves income, employment, historical paystubs, and payroll tax forms
- Supports direct-deposit allocation updates with user permission
- Link SDK, webhooks, and sandbox and development modes support integration
Where it doesn't
- API access requires contacting Sales or a Client Success Manager
- Production API calls are billable
- Integration depends on supported payroll employers and platforms
- Worklio8.7/10 · From $5/user/mo
A broad embedded payroll stack for providers that need multi-client and multi-EIN operations.
Visit WorklioFull verdict → - Pinwheel7.8/10 · Pricing on request
A payroll connectivity API for fintechs retrieving payroll data and updating direct deposits.
Contact PinwheelFull verdict →
Worklio vs Pinwheel: questions
Which is better for payroll APIs, Worklio or Pinwheel?
Worklio scores higher on our rubric for payroll apis: 8.7 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #8.
How do Worklio and Pinwheel compare?
All 3 checks we put side by side come out level: neither leads on any.
Do Worklio and Pinwheel have a free plan?
Worklio: No. Pinwheel: No.
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All payroll APIs comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update