OCTIS vs Kakitangan, Swingvy, Talenox, BrioHR, PayrollPanda: best HR and payroll software in Malaysia
Five local-friendly options for payslips, EPF, SOCSO, EIS and PCB. Prices are per employee per month.
Last checked · 8 sources
Otty's short answer
For a Malaysian SME payroll alone, Talenox and PayrollPanda have the clearest published prices: Talenox from RM20 to RM25 per month for the first five employees, PayrollPanda RM38 plus RM8 per employee. Swingvy is about RM8.50 to RM10 per employee. BrioHR is the widest HR suite. Kakitangan is the cheapest for 1 to 3 staff, per BrioHR's table. All five list EPF, SOCSO, EIS and PCB.
Side by side
Swipe to see every column
| What matters | OCTISSdn Bhd + OCTIS | Kakitangan | Swingvy | Talenox | BrioHR | PayrollPanda |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price (vendor-stated) | 10–30% below your current bill | Free, 1 to 3 staff | RM8.50 to RM10 per employee | RM20 to RM25 base, 5 staff | From S$3 per employee | RM38 base plus RM8 each |
| Per-employee rate | 10–30% below your current bill | Quote-based above 10 | RM8.50 to RM10 | RM5 payroll, RM7 to RM8 suite | S$3 payroll only | RM8 |
| Minimum fee | 10–30% below your current bill | RM50, 4 to 5 staff | 5 users, plus setup fee | RM20 to RM25 per month | S$70 per month | RM38 per month |
| EPF, SOCSO, EIS, PCB | EPF, SOCSO and PCB filings by OCTIS accountants | Listed | Listed | Listed | Listed | Listed |
| Countries covered | Malaysia (Sdn Bhd run with OCTIS) | Malaysia | Malaysia, Singapore | MY, SG, HK | Malaysia, Singapore | Malaysia |
| Free trial | 30-day money-back guarantee, terms apply | Try for free | Not published | 30 days | Not published | First payroll free |
Data sources & disclaimer: Comparison data was compiled from publicly available sources — including the competitors' own published pricing and feature pages — captured on 9 November 2026. Figures reflect the typical or advertised pricing at that time and may have changed since; plans, inclusions and prices vary by provider, region and promotion. OCTIS is independent and not affiliated with the named companies; all trademarks belong to their respective owners. This comparison is provided in good faith for general information only and is not professional, legal or financial advice — please verify current details with each provider before deciding.
Which one fits you
OCTIS · Sdn Bhd + OCTIS
Choose OCTIS if you want accountants to handle payroll filings for you, with CRM and workflow in the same workspace.
Kakitangan
Choose Kakitangan if you are a very small Malaysia-only team and want the lowest cost for payroll, leave and claims.
Swingvy
Choose Swingvy if you want an all-in-one HR app for 5 to 50 staff with leave, claims and attendance.
Talenox
Choose Talenox if you want the lowest published payroll price, or you also run staff in Singapore or Hong Kong.
BrioHR
Choose BrioHR if you need recruitment, onboarding and performance beside payroll.
PayrollPanda
Choose PayrollPanda if payroll is the job and you want a published price with the first payroll free.
What the table does not show
What each one costs, and what is missing
Talenox lists Malaysia pricing in ringgit: Payroll at RM20 base on annual billing (RM25 monthly) covering the first 5 employees, then RM5 per extra person. PayrollPanda states RM38 per company plus RM8 per employee, excluding SST, with the first payroll and leave free. Swingvy states about RM10 per employee for payroll, or RM8.50 on annual billing per third-party listings, with a 5-user minimum. BrioHR shows S$3 per employee for payroll and a S$70 monthly minimum. Kakitangan does not publish prices on its own site.
Statutory coverage to test in a demo
All five say they handle EPF, SOCSO, EIS and PCB, and Kakitangan, Swingvy and BrioHR also list EA and Form E outputs. Most of the comparison data here comes from BrioHR's own blog, so treat it as vendor-stated. Before you pay, run one real month: check the EPF and SOCSO contribution tables match your rates, that PCB follows LHDN's schedule, and that you can produce CP39, EA and bank files. Ask how the vendor updates rates when rules change.
Pick by what you will outgrow
Payroll-only tools stay cheap but stop at payslips. HR suites cost a little more per head and add leave, claims, attendance and hiring. If your headcount may pass 50, or you expect to open a Singapore entity, check each vendor's enterprise terms now, as several move to quote-based pricing at that size. Also check whether the vendor adds service tax, as PayrollPanda and Swingvy state they do.
Where OCTIS fits
Payroll software produces payslips and contribution files. Your books still need the journals, and your company still needs filings. OCTIS does accounting, bookkeeping, tax and company secretary work for Malaysian companies, and includes a built-in CRM and business workspace. Send us your current bills and we will show you 10–30% off.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest payroll software in Malaysia?
For very small teams, Kakitangan is reported free for 1 to 3 employees. For published prices, Talenox starts at about RM20 to RM25 per month for the first five employees, with RM5 for each extra person.
Do these tools calculate EPF, SOCSO, EIS and PCB?
All five list support for the four. Test your own figures in a trial month and confirm the vendor updates rates when the rules change.
Does payroll software file with KWSP, PERKESO and LHDN for me?
Most generate the contribution files and forms such as EA and Form E. Submission is still usually done by you or your accountant. Ask each vendor exactly which filings are automatic.
Is SST charged on payroll software?
PayrollPanda states its prices exclude SST and shows an 8% example. Swingvy also notes SST applies. Ask the others whether the quoted price includes tax.
Can payroll connect to my accounting software?
Talenox lists Xero and QuickBooks sync. Swingvy lists Xero. Check this before you buy so payroll journals post to your books without retyping.
Sources
Checked on the date above. Links open the provider's or regulator's own page.