Quick Overview
- 1#1: Gusto - Automated payroll, benefits, and HR for small businesses with full tax compliance.
- 2#2: OnPay - Full-service payroll with unlimited monthly runs, expert support, and seamless integrations for small businesses.
- 3#3: QuickBooks Payroll - Integrated payroll solution with QuickBooks accounting for easy wage calculations, taxes, and direct deposit.
- 4#4: Patriot Software - Affordable online payroll with automated tax filing, direct deposit, and 1099 support for small businesses.
- 5#5: Wave Payroll - Simple, low-cost payroll for contractors and employees with automatic tax calculations in supported regions.
- 6#6: Square Payroll - Easy payroll integrated with Square payments for contractors, employees, and multi-state filing.
- 7#7: SurePayroll - Streamlined online payroll with guaranteed accurate tax filing and direct deposit for small teams.
- 8#8: ADP RUN - Small business payroll with automated taxes, compliance tools, and HR add-ons.
- 9#9: Paychex Flex - Payroll processing with tax services, reporting, and benefits administration for growing businesses.
- 10#10: Payroll4Free - Free basic payroll software for up to 25 employees including W-2s and direct deposit.
These tools were evaluated for their blend of robust features (like tax management and integration), user-friendly design, and value, ensuring they suit small to growing businesses.
Comparison Table
Managing payroll efficiently requires the right tools, and this comparison table对比 essential options like Gusto, OnPay, QuickBooks Payroll, Patriot Software, Wave Payroll, and more, simplifying the search for a platform that fits your needs. Readers will gain insights into key features, pricing, and usability to make informed decisions for their business operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gusto Automated payroll, benefits, and HR for small businesses with full tax compliance. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | OnPay Full-service payroll with unlimited monthly runs, expert support, and seamless integrations for small businesses. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 3 | QuickBooks Payroll Integrated payroll solution with QuickBooks accounting for easy wage calculations, taxes, and direct deposit. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | Patriot Software Affordable online payroll with automated tax filing, direct deposit, and 1099 support for small businesses. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | Wave Payroll Simple, low-cost payroll for contractors and employees with automatic tax calculations in supported regions. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 6 | Square Payroll Easy payroll integrated with Square payments for contractors, employees, and multi-state filing. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | SurePayroll Streamlined online payroll with guaranteed accurate tax filing and direct deposit for small teams. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | ADP RUN Small business payroll with automated taxes, compliance tools, and HR add-ons. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Paychex Flex Payroll processing with tax services, reporting, and benefits administration for growing businesses. | enterprise | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 10 | Payroll4Free Free basic payroll software for up to 25 employees including W-2s and direct deposit. | other | 6.8/10 | 5.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
Automated payroll, benefits, and HR for small businesses with full tax compliance.
Full-service payroll with unlimited monthly runs, expert support, and seamless integrations for small businesses.
Integrated payroll solution with QuickBooks accounting for easy wage calculations, taxes, and direct deposit.
Affordable online payroll with automated tax filing, direct deposit, and 1099 support for small businesses.
Simple, low-cost payroll for contractors and employees with automatic tax calculations in supported regions.
Easy payroll integrated with Square payments for contractors, employees, and multi-state filing.
Streamlined online payroll with guaranteed accurate tax filing and direct deposit for small teams.
Small business payroll with automated taxes, compliance tools, and HR add-ons.
Payroll processing with tax services, reporting, and benefits administration for growing businesses.
Free basic payroll software for up to 25 employees including W-2s and direct deposit.
Gusto
specializedAutomated payroll, benefits, and HR for small businesses with full tax compliance.
Full auto-pilot tax compliance with guaranteed accuracy and filing
Gusto is a user-friendly cloud-based payroll platform tailored for small businesses, automating payroll processing, direct deposits, and tax calculations for W-2 and 1099 workers. It handles federal, state, and local tax filings automatically, ensuring compliance without manual intervention. In addition to core payroll functions, it integrates HR tools like onboarding and benefits management, making it ideal for basic payroll needs with scalability.
Pros
- Automated tax filing and payments across all jurisdictions
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and run payroll in minutes
- Unlimited payroll runs and seamless integrations with accounting tools like QuickBooks
Cons
- Higher costs for larger teams or advanced HR features
- Limited customization for complex payroll scenarios
- Customer support can have longer wait times during peak seasons
Best For
Small businesses with 1-50 employees seeking hassle-free, compliant payroll without dedicated HR staff.
Pricing
Starts at $40/month base + $6 per employee for Simple plan; Plus at $80 + $12/employee; Premium custom quoted.
OnPay
specializedFull-service payroll with unlimited monthly runs, expert support, and seamless integrations for small businesses.
100% accuracy guarantee on payroll taxes and filings, covering any penalties if they make a mistake
OnPay is a user-friendly payroll software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, handling payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits across all 50 states. It offers unlimited payroll runs and payees for a flat monthly fee plus per-employee cost, along with integrations for accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero. Additional features include benefits management, time tracking, and basic HR tools, making it a solid all-in-one solution for basic payroll needs.
Pros
- Unlimited payroll runs and payees at a predictable price
- 100% tax filing accuracy guarantee with penalty protection
- Seamless integrations with popular accounting software
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- No native mobile app for on-the-go access
- Per-employee pricing can increase costs for larger teams
Best For
Small businesses with up to 50 employees seeking reliable, hassle-free payroll processing and compliance without complex enterprise features.
Pricing
$40/month base fee + $6/active employee/month; no setup or support fees.
QuickBooks Payroll
specializedIntegrated payroll solution with QuickBooks accounting for easy wage calculations, taxes, and direct deposit.
Deep integration with QuickBooks Online for automatic syncing of payroll data to accounting books
QuickBooks Payroll is an integrated payroll solution from Intuit that works seamlessly with QuickBooks Online accounting software, automating payroll processing for small businesses. It handles paycheck calculations, tax withholdings, direct deposits, and federal/state tax filings with next-day direct deposit options. The platform also supports employee self-service portals for payslips and tax forms, making it suitable for basic to mid-level payroll needs.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks Online for unified accounting and payroll
- Automatic tax calculations, filings, and payments for compliance
- User-friendly interface with mobile app for on-the-go payroll management
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to standalone basic payroll tools
- Best suited for QuickBooks users; less ideal as a standalone solution
- Per-employee fees can add up for larger teams on basic plans
Best For
Small businesses already using QuickBooks Online that need reliable, integrated payroll without complex HR features.
Pricing
Core plan starts at $50/month + $6/active employee; Premium at $80/month + $9/employee; billed annually for discounts.
Patriot Software
specializedAffordable online payroll with automated tax filing, direct deposit, and 1099 support for small businesses.
Tax filing guarantee: Patriot files all federal, state, and local payroll taxes for you or covers any penalties.
Patriot Software's Basic Payroll is an affordable online solution designed for small businesses needing straightforward payroll processing. It enables unlimited payroll runs, automatic tax calculations, and direct filing of federal, state, and local taxes by Patriot. The service also supports direct deposit and basic employee self-service for pay stubs and W-2s, making it suitable for simple payroll needs without advanced HR features.
Pros
- Unlimited payroll runs at no extra cost
- Guaranteed accurate tax filing handled by Patriot
- Quick setup and intuitive interface for beginners
Cons
- Lacks built-in time tracking or HR tools
- No mobile app for on-the-go access
- Limited integrations with accounting software
Best For
Small businesses with under 50 employees seeking affordable, hands-off basic payroll and tax compliance.
Pricing
Starts at $37 base fee per month + $4 per employee/month (billed monthly; discounts for annual prepay).
Wave Payroll
specializedSimple, low-cost payroll for contractors and employees with automatic tax calculations in supported regions.
Free integration with Wave's unlimited invoicing and accounting tools
Wave Payroll is an affordable, user-friendly payroll solution integrated with Wave's free accounting and invoicing tools, designed for small businesses in select US states and Canada. It handles employee and contractor payments, automated tax calculations, withholdings, and filings, with options for direct deposit or printable checks. Ideal for basic needs, it supports unlimited payroll runs without time tracking or advanced HR features.
Pros
- Highly affordable with low per-employee fees and unlimited runs
- Seamless integration with free Wave accounting software
- Intuitive interface with mobile app support
Cons
- Limited availability to only select US states and Canada
- Lacks advanced features like time tracking or benefits management
- Customer support restricted to business hours
Best For
Small businesses and solopreneurs in supported regions needing simple, budget-friendly payroll tied to basic accounting.
Pricing
US: $20 base + $6/active employee or contractor/month; Canada: $20 base + $6/month (first 6 months free for new users).
Square Payroll
specializedEasy payroll integrated with Square payments for contractors, employees, and multi-state filing.
Automatic syncing of Square POS sales data for tipped employee payroll
Square Payroll is a user-friendly payroll solution tailored for small businesses, especially those using Square's point-of-sale system. It simplifies payroll processing by automating calculations, direct deposits, tax withholdings, and filings for federal, state, and local taxes. Additional features include time-off tracking and basic benefits administration in higher-tier plans, making it ideal for straightforward payroll needs.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Square POS for automatic sales and tip tracking
- Automatic tax calculations and filings
- Intuitive interface with quick setup
Cons
- Limited to U.S.-based businesses only
- Lacks advanced HR tools like performance management
- Per-employee fees can increase costs for growing teams
Best For
Small retailers and service businesses already using Square POS who want simple, integrated payroll without advanced complexity.
Pricing
Core plan at $35 base + $6/active employee/month; Plus at $50 base + $9/employee/month; Premium custom pricing.
SurePayroll
specializedStreamlined online payroll with guaranteed accurate tax filing and direct deposit for small teams.
Tax penalty guarantee ensuring on-time filings and payments
SurePayroll, now part of Paychex, is a straightforward online payroll solution tailored for small businesses, handling essential tasks like payroll calculations, direct deposits, tax filings, and 1099 preparation. It offers unlimited payroll runs and an employee self-service portal for pay stubs and W-2s, making it easy to process payroll in minutes. Designed for simplicity, it focuses on core payroll without advanced HR features.
Pros
- Quick and simple payroll processing
- Automatic tax calculations and filings with guarantees
- Affordable pay-as-you-go pricing for small teams
Cons
- Limited HR and benefits management tools
- No built-in time tracking
- Basic reporting with upsell prompts to full Paychex suite
Best For
Small businesses with fewer than 25 employees needing basic, compliant payroll without complex integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $19.99/month + $4.99 per employee/pay period; pay-as-you-go with no long-term contracts.
ADP RUN
enterpriseSmall business payroll with automated taxes, compliance tools, and HR add-ons.
ADP's tax compliance guarantee, which covers penalties for errors in supported filings
ADP RUN is a cloud-based payroll software from ADP designed for small businesses, providing core payroll processing, automated tax calculations and filings, direct deposits, and basic HR tools like employee self-service. It supports unlimited payroll runs and handles federal, state, and local compliance requirements seamlessly. The tiered plans (Essential, Enhanced, Complete) allow scalability as businesses grow beyond basic needs.
Pros
- Reliable automated tax filing and compliance with accuracy guarantee
- Scalable pricing tiers for growing small businesses
- Strong customer support and onboarding assistance
Cons
- Relatively high cost for very small teams or basic needs
- Interface can feel overwhelming for first-time users
- Limited free trial and requires sales consultation for demos
Best For
Small businesses with 1-50 employees needing dependable payroll processing and tax compliance without extensive HR customization.
Pricing
Essential: $59/mo + $4/employee; Enhanced: $109/mo + $7/employee; Complete: $149/mo + $11/employee (annual billing required)
Paychex Flex
enterprisePayroll processing with tax services, reporting, and benefits administration for growing businesses.
Access to personal payroll specialists for hands-on guidance and troubleshooting
Paychex Flex is a robust payroll and HR platform that automates payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits for businesses. It integrates essential payroll functions with HR tools like benefits management and time tracking. While suitable for basic payroll needs, its full suite makes it scalable for growing companies seeking compliance and efficiency.
Pros
- Reliable automated tax filing and compliance handling
- Dedicated U.S.-based support specialists
- Seamless integration with HR and benefits modules
Cons
- Higher cost compared to basic-only competitors
- Steeper learning curve for simple setups
- Custom pricing lacks transparency
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses needing reliable payroll with room to scale into full HR management.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$60/month base + $5 per employee/pay period.
Payroll4Free
otherFree basic payroll software for up to 25 employees including W-2s and direct deposit.
Entirely free payroll processing with no subscription fees for qualifying small teams
Payroll4Free is a no-cost payroll software tailored for very small businesses, offering basic payroll processing including wage calculations, tax withholdings, and direct deposit options. It supports federal and state tax filings, W-2 and 1099 form generation, and check printing. While functional for simple needs, it imposes strict limits on employee counts and lacks advanced features found in paid competitors.
Pros
- Completely free for businesses with up to 25 employees in one state
- Handles essential tax calculations and filings automatically
- Supports direct deposit and check printing
Cons
- Strict limits on free tier (e.g., only 10 employees for multi-state)
- Outdated interface with limited customization
- No phone support and basic reporting only
Best For
Micro-businesses or startups with fewer than 25 employees in a single state needing ultra-basic, zero-cost payroll.
Pricing
Free for up to 25 local or 10 remote employees; paid plans start at $20/month for expanded limits and features.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top 10 basic payroll software reveals Gusto as the clear winner, with its strength in automated payroll, benefits, and tax compliance making it ideal for small businesses. Close behind are OnPay, offering full-service support and unlimited runs, and QuickBooks Payroll, excelling through seamless integration with accounting tools—each a strong alternative for distinct needs.
Don’t miss out—take the first step toward streamlined payroll by trying Gusto, the top-ranked solution for efficient, compliant operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison