Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Payroll - Integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting to automate payroll, tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits for small to medium businesses.
- 2#2: Gusto - Full-service payroll and HR platform that handles payroll, benefits administration, compliance, and accounting integrations for SMBs.
- 3#3: ADP - Enterprise-grade payroll solution offering comprehensive payroll processing, tax compliance, HR tools, and global payroll capabilities.
- 4#4: Paychex - All-in-one payroll and HR service with automated processing, expert support, benefits management, and accounting software integrations.
- 5#5: Rippling - Unified platform for payroll, HR, IT, and finance that automates employee management and syncs with accounting systems.
- 6#6: Xero - Cloud-based accounting software with embedded payroll features for accurate pay runs, tax compliance, and financial reporting.
- 7#7: Sage Payroll - Integrated payroll solution within Sage accounting software for mid-sized businesses, supporting multi-country compliance and reporting.
- 8#8: Paycom - Employee-driven payroll and HR system with self-service features, time tracking, and analytics for streamlined accounting workflows.
- 9#9: OnPay - Cost-effective payroll software with unlimited runs, expert support, and integrations to popular accounting tools like QuickBooks.
- 10#10: Patriot Software - Affordable full-service payroll for small businesses with in-house processing, tax filing, and QuickBooks integration.
Tools were rigorously evaluated based on features, usability, reliability, and value, considering automation capabilities, tax compliance, integration flexibility, and alignment with diverse business needs, from small teams to large enterprises.
Comparison Table
Choosing the right accounting payroll software is critical, with tools like QuickBooks Payroll, Gusto, ADP, Paychex, Rippling and more vying for attention. This comparison table simplifies the process by outlining key features, pricing structures, and user-friendly aspects, helping you identify the best fit for your business size and operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Payroll Integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting to automate payroll, tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits for small to medium businesses. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 2 | Gusto Full-service payroll and HR platform that handles payroll, benefits administration, compliance, and accounting integrations for SMBs. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | ADP Enterprise-grade payroll solution offering comprehensive payroll processing, tax compliance, HR tools, and global payroll capabilities. | enterprise | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Paychex All-in-one payroll and HR service with automated processing, expert support, benefits management, and accounting software integrations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Rippling Unified platform for payroll, HR, IT, and finance that automates employee management and syncs with accounting systems. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | Xero Cloud-based accounting software with embedded payroll features for accurate pay runs, tax compliance, and financial reporting. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 7 | Sage Payroll Integrated payroll solution within Sage accounting software for mid-sized businesses, supporting multi-country compliance and reporting. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Paycom Employee-driven payroll and HR system with self-service features, time tracking, and analytics for streamlined accounting workflows. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | OnPay Cost-effective payroll software with unlimited runs, expert support, and integrations to popular accounting tools like QuickBooks. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 10 | Patriot Software Affordable full-service payroll for small businesses with in-house processing, tax filing, and QuickBooks integration. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 |
Integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting to automate payroll, tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits for small to medium businesses.
Full-service payroll and HR platform that handles payroll, benefits administration, compliance, and accounting integrations for SMBs.
Enterprise-grade payroll solution offering comprehensive payroll processing, tax compliance, HR tools, and global payroll capabilities.
All-in-one payroll and HR service with automated processing, expert support, benefits management, and accounting software integrations.
Unified platform for payroll, HR, IT, and finance that automates employee management and syncs with accounting systems.
Cloud-based accounting software with embedded payroll features for accurate pay runs, tax compliance, and financial reporting.
Integrated payroll solution within Sage accounting software for mid-sized businesses, supporting multi-country compliance and reporting.
Employee-driven payroll and HR system with self-service features, time tracking, and analytics for streamlined accounting workflows.
Cost-effective payroll software with unlimited runs, expert support, and integrations to popular accounting tools like QuickBooks.
Affordable full-service payroll for small businesses with in-house processing, tax filing, and QuickBooks integration.
QuickBooks Payroll
enterpriseIntegrates seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting to automate payroll, tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits for small to medium businesses.
Real-time, two-way integration with QuickBooks Online that automatically categorizes payroll expenses and liabilities in your books
QuickBooks Payroll is a robust payroll management solution from Intuit, designed specifically for small to medium-sized businesses to handle employee payments, tax withholdings, and compliance effortlessly. It integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks Online and Desktop, automatically syncing payroll data to accounting ledgers for real-time financial accuracy. Key functionalities include automated federal and state tax filings, direct deposits, benefits administration, and time tracking, making it a comprehensive tool for payroll processing.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting software for automatic expense tracking
- Automated tax calculations, filings, and payments with accuracy guarantees
- Employee self-service portal and mobile app for payslips and PTO requests
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with number of employees and higher-tier features
- Some advanced reporting and customization require Elite plan
- Customer support can have variable response times during peak seasons
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses already using QuickBooks that need an integrated payroll solution for compliance and efficiency.
Pricing
Core: $50/mo + $6/active employee; Premium: $80/mo + $8/employee; Elite: $125/mo + $10/employee (requires separate QuickBooks Online subscription starting at $30/mo).
Gusto
specializedFull-service payroll and HR platform that handles payroll, benefits administration, compliance, and accounting integrations for SMBs.
Full-service payroll that automatically calculates, files, and pays federal, state, and local taxes across all 50 states
Gusto is a comprehensive cloud-based payroll and HR platform tailored for small to medium-sized U.S. businesses, automating payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and payments. It also handles benefits administration, employee onboarding, time tracking, and compliance with labor laws. Seamlessly integrating with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero, Gusto streamlines financial workflows for accounting teams managing payroll.
Pros
- Automated payroll runs with full tax filing and compliance handling
- Intuitive interface with guided setup for non-experts
- Robust integrations with major accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero
Cons
- Primarily focused on U.S. businesses with limited international support
- Per-employee pricing can become expensive for larger teams
- Lacks deep native accounting features, relying on integrations
Best For
Small to medium-sized U.S. businesses needing an user-friendly, all-in-one payroll and HR solution that integrates effortlessly with existing accounting software.
Pricing
Simple: $40/month + $6/employee; Plus: $80/month + $12/employee; Premium: Custom quote; contractor-only options available.
ADP
enterpriseEnterprise-grade payroll solution offering comprehensive payroll processing, tax compliance, HR tools, and global payroll capabilities.
Automated multi-state and multi-country tax compliance and filing
ADP is a comprehensive cloud-based payroll and HR software solution that automates payroll processing, tax filing, compliance, and employee management for businesses of all sizes. It integrates with popular accounting tools like QuickBooks and offers features for time tracking, benefits administration, and advanced reporting. With scalable plans like ADP RUN for small businesses and Workforce Now for enterprises, it ensures accurate, on-time payroll while minimizing compliance risks.
Pros
- Superior tax compliance and automated filing across multiple jurisdictions
- Scalable platform with deep integrations for accounting and HR systems
- Robust analytics and reporting for payroll insights
Cons
- High pricing that may overwhelm small businesses
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for new users
- Lengthy onboarding and implementation process
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises needing enterprise-grade payroll, compliance, and HR integration.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on employee count; basic plans start at ~$79/month + $4-$10 per employee, with enterprise tiers reaching thousands monthly.
Paychex
enterpriseAll-in-one payroll and HR service with automated processing, expert support, benefits management, and accounting software integrations.
Payroll accuracy guarantee, covering penalties if errors occur due to Paychex processing
Paychex is a full-service payroll and HR software platform tailored for small to mid-sized businesses, offering automated payroll processing, tax filing, compliance management, and employee benefits administration. It integrates seamlessly with major accounting tools like QuickBooks and provides robust reporting and analytics for financial oversight. With its Paychex Flex suite, users can manage HR tasks, time tracking, and talent management from a single dashboard, ensuring scalability as businesses grow.
Pros
- Comprehensive compliance and tax filing with accuracy guarantees
- Scalable for businesses of varying sizes with strong integrations
- 24/7 customer support and dedicated account managers
Cons
- Higher pricing that may not suit very small businesses
- Initial setup and learning curve can be steep
- Limited advanced customization options compared to competitors
Best For
Mid-sized businesses seeking an all-in-one outsourced payroll and HR solution with reliable compliance support.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on employee count and features; typically starts at $80+/month plus $4-6 per employee/pay period.
Rippling
enterpriseUnified platform for payroll, HR, IT, and finance that automates employee management and syncs with accounting systems.
PolicySync engine that automates compliance and payroll rules across international locations from one dashboard
Rippling is an all-in-one workforce management platform that combines payroll processing, HR, benefits administration, and IT management into a single system. It automates payroll calculations, tax filings, and direct deposits while integrating seamlessly with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero. Designed for growing businesses, it supports multi-country payroll and ensures compliance across jurisdictions.
Pros
- Comprehensive payroll automation with global support in 100+ countries
- Deep integrations with accounting tools for accurate financial syncing
- Unified platform reduces administrative silos across HR and IT
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small businesses or basic payroll needs
- Steep learning curve due to extensive feature set
- Limited customization options for highly specialized accounting workflows
Best For
Mid-sized businesses seeking an integrated HR-payroll-accounting solution with global scalability.
Pricing
Starts at $8/user/month for payroll add-on (HR platform free for basics); enterprise plans custom-priced based on features and users.
Xero
enterpriseCloud-based accounting software with embedded payroll features for accurate pay runs, tax compliance, and financial reporting.
Direct payroll-to-ledger integration for automatic accounting of wages, taxes, and deductions without manual entry
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software designed for small and medium-sized businesses, offering invoicing, bank reconciliation, expense tracking, inventory management, and integrated payroll processing. Its payroll module supports employee onboarding, payslip generation, tax withholdings, superannuation (in AU/NZ), and compliance reporting in supported countries like US, UK, AU, and NZ. The platform emphasizes automation and real-time financial insights through unlimited users and extensive app integrations.
Pros
- Automatic bank feeds and smart reconciliation
- Unlimited users across all plans
- Strong payroll compliance and integration with accounting
Cons
- Payroll features limited to specific countries
- Costs escalate with add-ons and employee count
- Customer support can be slow for non-premium users
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in supported regions needing integrated accounting and payroll with multi-user access.
Pricing
Starts at $15/mo (Early) to $78/mo (Ultimate); payroll extra at ~$4-6 base + $4-6 per employee/month depending on country.
Sage Payroll
enterpriseIntegrated payroll solution within Sage accounting software for mid-sized businesses, supporting multi-country compliance and reporting.
Automated RTI submissions to HMRC with real-time compliance updates and error-checking
Sage Payroll is a comprehensive payroll software solution from Sage, designed primarily for small to medium-sized businesses in the UK and select international markets. It automates payroll calculations, generates payslips, handles tax deductions including PAYE and NI, and ensures compliance with HMRC regulations through automated submissions like FPS and EPS. The platform integrates tightly with Sage accounting products like Sage 50, offering robust reporting, employee self-service portals, and multi-payroll support for handling multiple companies.
Pros
- Excellent HMRC compliance with automated Real Time Information (RTI) submissions
- Seamless integration with Sage 50 and other Sage accounting software
- Scalable for businesses with up to thousands of employees and strong reporting tools
Cons
- User interface feels somewhat dated and less intuitive for beginners
- Customer support response times can vary, with premium support requiring extra fees
- Pricing scales quickly with employee count and advanced features
Best For
UK-based small to medium-sized businesses already using Sage accounting tools that need reliable, compliant payroll processing.
Pricing
Subscription-based with pay-per-employee pricing starting at £3.40 per pay period for essentials, up to £7+ for advanced plans; annual contracts offer discounts.
Paycom
enterpriseEmployee-driven payroll and HR system with self-service features, time tracking, and analytics for streamlined accounting workflows.
Beti® real-time employee self-service portal for direct data management and payroll access
Paycom is a comprehensive cloud-based HR and payroll software solution that provides end-to-end management of payroll processing, time tracking, benefits administration, and talent management from a single database. It empowers employees through its Beti® self-service portal, allowing them to update personal information, view pay stubs, and manage schedules independently, which minimizes HR administrative tasks. The platform excels in compliance automation, advanced reporting, and scalability for growing businesses.
Pros
- All-in-one platform integrating payroll, HR, and talent management seamlessly
- Powerful employee self-service via Beti® reduces HR workload significantly
- Robust compliance tools and customizable reporting for complex payroll needs
Cons
- High cost structure, especially for small businesses
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation (often 3-6 months)
- Limited flexibility for custom integrations compared to competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises seeking a unified HR-payroll system with strong employee self-service and compliance features.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $8-$15 per employee per month depending on modules and company size; no public tiers.
OnPay
specializedCost-effective payroll software with unlimited runs, expert support, and integrations to popular accounting tools like QuickBooks.
Guaranteed tax filing and payments with 100% accuracy assurance
OnPay is a full-service payroll software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering automated payroll processing, tax filing, and payments for W-2 and 1099 workers. It includes employee self-service portals, benefits administration, and seamless integrations with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero. The platform emphasizes accuracy with guaranteed tax compliance and unlimited payroll runs.
Pros
- Unlimited payroll runs with no extra fees
- Seamless integrations with major accounting software
- Dedicated U.S.-based customer support
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with employee count
- Limited advanced HR analytics
- No native mobile app for employees
Best For
Small to mid-sized U.S. businesses needing reliable, full-service payroll with strong accounting integrations.
Pricing
$40 base fee/month + $6 per active employee/month; no contracts, supports multi-state payroll.
Patriot Software
specializedAffordable full-service payroll for small businesses with in-house processing, tax filing, and QuickBooks integration.
Tax filing guarantee: If there's an error due to their system, they cover penalties and fix it for free
Patriot Software offers cloud-based payroll processing tailored for small businesses, handling employee payments, tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits efficiently. It includes essential HR tools like onboarding, time tracking, and basic reporting, with integrations to popular accounting software such as QuickBooks. The platform emphasizes compliance and accuracy, making it suitable for users seeking reliable payroll without advanced enterprise features.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with no hidden fees
- Excellent U.S.-based customer support
- Simple interface ideal for beginners
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer integrations compared to competitors
- Basic HR module lacks depth for larger teams
Best For
Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees needing straightforward, compliant payroll processing.
Pricing
Basic plan starts at $17/month + $4 per employee; Full Service at $37/month + $4 per employee, with a free trial available.
Conclusion
The top accounting payroll software options emphasize tools that combine automation, compliance, and integration, with QuickBooks Payroll leading as the best choice due to its seamless alignment with QuickBooks accounting for simplifying payroll, tax filings, and direct deposits. Gusto and ADP follow as strong alternatives, offering robust full-service capabilities, HR support, and enterprise-grade features respectively, suited to different business needs such as scalability or enhanced administrative tools. Together, these platforms showcase reliable solutions for efficient payroll management.
Don't miss out on streamlining your payroll—try QuickBooks Payroll to experience automated workflows, accurate tax handling, and direct deposits tailored for small to medium businesses. Take the first step toward smoother operations by exploring its features today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison