Quick Overview
- 1#1: Gusto - Full-service payroll, benefits administration, and HR tools tailored for small businesses.
- 2#2: QuickBooks Payroll - Seamless payroll integration with QuickBooks accounting for small business owners.
- 3#3: OnPay - Unlimited payroll runs with expert support and multi-state tax filing for small teams.
- 4#4: ADP RUN - Scalable payroll solution powered by ADP for small businesses with compliance automation.
- 5#5: Paychex Flex - Comprehensive payroll, HR, and benefits management for growing small enterprises.
- 6#6: Rippling - All-in-one payroll, HR, and IT platform that automates employee management for small businesses.
- 7#7: Patriot Software - Affordable, in-house payroll processing with direct deposit and tax filing for small firms.
- 8#8: Wave Payroll - Low-cost, easy payroll connected to free invoicing and accounting for freelancers and small teams.
- 9#9: Square Payroll - Simple payroll integrated with Square payments for small businesses and contractors.
- 10#10: SurePayroll - Online payroll service by Paychex offering tax filing and direct deposit for small businesses.
Tools were ranked based on a blend of robust features (including tax automation, HR integration, and multi-state filing), user-friendliness, reliability, and value for money, ensuring they deliver tangible benefits to small business owners and teams.
Comparison Table
This comparison table outlines top small business payroll software tools, including Gusto, QuickBooks Payroll, OnPay, ADP RUN, and Paychex Flex, to guide readers in identifying the best fit for their needs—featuring insights into key features, pricing, and user experience. By breaking down essential details of each platform, it simplifies the process of selecting a solution that streamlines payroll tasks and supports efficient employee compensation management.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gusto Full-service payroll, benefits administration, and HR tools tailored for small businesses. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | QuickBooks Payroll Seamless payroll integration with QuickBooks accounting for small business owners. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | OnPay Unlimited payroll runs with expert support and multi-state tax filing for small teams. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 4 | ADP RUN Scalable payroll solution powered by ADP for small businesses with compliance automation. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Paychex Flex Comprehensive payroll, HR, and benefits management for growing small enterprises. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Rippling All-in-one payroll, HR, and IT platform that automates employee management for small businesses. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Patriot Software Affordable, in-house payroll processing with direct deposit and tax filing for small firms. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 8 | Wave Payroll Low-cost, easy payroll connected to free invoicing and accounting for freelancers and small teams. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 9 | Square Payroll Simple payroll integrated with Square payments for small businesses and contractors. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | SurePayroll Online payroll service by Paychex offering tax filing and direct deposit for small businesses. | enterprise | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
Full-service payroll, benefits administration, and HR tools tailored for small businesses.
Seamless payroll integration with QuickBooks accounting for small business owners.
Unlimited payroll runs with expert support and multi-state tax filing for small teams.
Scalable payroll solution powered by ADP for small businesses with compliance automation.
Comprehensive payroll, HR, and benefits management for growing small enterprises.
All-in-one payroll, HR, and IT platform that automates employee management for small businesses.
Affordable, in-house payroll processing with direct deposit and tax filing for small firms.
Low-cost, easy payroll connected to free invoicing and accounting for freelancers and small teams.
Simple payroll integrated with Square payments for small businesses and contractors.
Online payroll service by Paychex offering tax filing and direct deposit for small businesses.
Gusto
enterpriseFull-service payroll, benefits administration, and HR tools tailored for small businesses.
Hands-off payroll compliance with expert-conducted tax filings, forms, and payments in every state
Gusto is an all-in-one payroll, HR, and benefits platform tailored for small businesses, automating payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits. It offers employee self-service portals for onboarding, time tracking, and benefits enrollment, while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Beyond payroll, Gusto integrates HR tools like performance management and compliance alerts, making it a comprehensive solution for growing SMBs.
Pros
- Full-service payroll with automated tax filing and compliance across all 50 states
- Seamless integration of HR tools including benefits administration and employee onboarding
- Exceptional customer support with dedicated specialists and 24/7 chat
Cons
- Pricing scales with employee count and add-ons, which can increase costs for larger teams
- Limited support for international payroll outside the US
- Advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to mid-sized US businesses seeking an intuitive, end-to-end payroll and HR solution without needing in-house expertise.
Pricing
Starts at $40 base + $6/employee/month for Contractor Only; Simple plan at $40 + $6/employee; Plus at $80 + $12/employee; Premium custom quoted; 1-month free trial.
QuickBooks Payroll
enterpriseSeamless payroll integration with QuickBooks accounting for small business owners.
Deep integration with QuickBooks Online, syncing payroll data directly to accounting ledgers in real-time
QuickBooks Payroll is a comprehensive payroll solution from Intuit tailored for small businesses, automating paycheck calculations, tax withholdings, and direct deposits. It seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks Online for unified accounting and payroll management, including features like employee self-service portals, time tracking, and automated tax filings. The platform ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while offering next-day direct deposit options.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks Online for streamlined accounting and payroll
- Automated tax calculations, filings, and payments with accuracy guarantees
- Next-day direct deposit and robust employee self-service tools
Cons
- Pricing increases significantly with employee count and add-ons
- Steeper learning curve for users not already familiar with QuickBooks ecosystem
- Limited support for international payroll outside the US
Best For
Small businesses already using QuickBooks Online that need integrated, compliant payroll processing for US employees.
Pricing
Core plan starts at $45/month + $6/employee; Premium at $80/month + $9/employee; Elite at $125/month + $11/employee (billed annually; subject to change).
OnPay
enterpriseUnlimited payroll runs with expert support and multi-state tax filing for small teams.
Unlimited monthly payroll runs at a predictable flat rate, perfect for businesses with weekly or off-cycle pays
OnPay is a full-service payroll software designed specifically for small businesses, offering automated payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits with unlimited runs per month. It includes built-in HR tools like benefits management, time tracking, and employee self-service portals, plus seamless integrations with accounting platforms like QuickBooks. The platform emphasizes compliance across all 50 states and guarantees accuracy with expert support.
Pros
- Unlimited payroll runs regardless of frequency
- Exceptional customer support with dedicated specialists
- Strong multi-state tax compliance and filings
Cons
- Per-employee pricing can increase costs for larger teams
- Limited advanced analytics compared to enterprise solutions
- Time tracking requires add-ons for full functionality
Best For
Small businesses with 1-50 employees needing reliable, hassle-free payroll and tax compliance without complex setups.
Pricing
$40/month base fee + $6 per active employee, with additional costs for tax filings ($5-$20/payroll) and premium features.
ADP RUN
enterpriseScalable payroll solution powered by ADP for small businesses with compliance automation.
100% tax compliance guarantee with expert filing support
ADP RUN is a robust payroll platform designed specifically for small businesses, automating payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits. It integrates essential HR tools like employee self-service, benefits administration, and time tracking to streamline operations. With scalable plans, it supports growing companies while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Pros
- Comprehensive compliance and automated tax filing with accuracy guarantees
- Scalable features that grow with your business including HR and benefits management
- 24/7 customer support and dedicated specialists for small businesses
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small teams with per-employee fees
- Initial setup and learning curve may require time or assistance
- Interface feels dated compared to more modern competitors
Best For
Small businesses with 10-100 employees seeking reliable, compliant payroll with integrated HR tools.
Pricing
Essential plan starts at $59/month + $4/employee; Enhanced at $109/month + $10/employee; custom quotes for premium features.
Paychex Flex
enterpriseComprehensive payroll, HR, and benefits management for growing small enterprises.
100% payroll accuracy guarantee backed by CPAs and payroll specialists
Paychex Flex is a robust cloud-based payroll and HR platform tailored for small to mid-sized businesses, offering end-to-end payroll processing, tax filing, compliance management, and employee self-service tools. It integrates seamlessly with benefits administration, time and attendance tracking, and talent management features to streamline workforce operations. With mobile accessibility and advanced reporting, it supports businesses scaling from 1 to hundreds of employees while ensuring regulatory adherence.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one payroll, HR, and benefits solution
- Strong compliance tools with automated tax filing and ACA reporting
- Dedicated payroll experts and 24/7 support
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic payroll-only competitors
- Initial setup and learning curve for non-HR users
- Pricing is quote-based and less transparent upfront
Best For
Growing small businesses (10-100 employees) needing integrated payroll, HR compliance, and employee management without multiple vendors.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$60/month base fee + $4-6 per employee/pay period; includes payroll runs, tax filing, and basic HR.
Rippling
enterpriseAll-in-one payroll, HR, and IT platform that automates employee management for small businesses.
Real-time policy engine that automates workflows across HR, IT, payroll, and finance based on unified employee data.
Rippling is an all-in-one workforce management platform that unifies HR, payroll, IT, finance, and benefits administration for small to mid-sized businesses. It automates the entire employee lifecycle, from onboarding to offboarding, ensuring seamless data synchronization across all systems. With support for payroll in over 100 countries, Rippling eliminates the need for multiple disjointed tools, making it scalable for growing teams.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform reduces software sprawl
- Powerful automation for employee lifecycle processes
- Robust global payroll and compliance support
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit very small teams under 10 employees
- Steep initial learning curve for full feature set
- Custom quotes lack upfront pricing transparency
Best For
Small businesses with 10-100 employees seeking a scalable, integrated HR and payroll solution.
Pricing
Starts at $8 per active employee per month for core HR + payroll; scales with add-ons and custom enterprise plans.
Patriot Software
enterpriseAffordable, in-house payroll processing with direct deposit and tax filing for small firms.
Full-service tax filing guarantee, where experts file federal, state, and local taxes with a penalty protection promise.
Patriot Software offers affordable payroll solutions designed specifically for small businesses, including both DIY in-house payroll and full-service options that handle tax filings. It automates payroll processing, direct deposits, W-2/1099 forms, and multi-state tax compliance, with add-ons for time tracking and basic HR management. The platform emphasizes simplicity and reliability, making it suitable for owners without dedicated accounting staff.
Pros
- Highly affordable pricing with transparent per-employee fees
- Outstanding customer support via phone and chat
- Seamless multi-state payroll and tax compliance handling
Cons
- Limited third-party integrations compared to competitors
- Basic reporting and analytics tools
- Employee self-service portal lacks advanced mobile features
Best For
Small businesses with 1-50 employees seeking straightforward, cost-effective payroll without complex HR needs.
Pricing
Basic Payroll: $17 base + $4/employee/month; Full Service Payroll: $37 base + $4/employee/month (billed annually; free setup).
Wave Payroll
enterpriseLow-cost, easy payroll connected to free invoicing and accounting for freelancers and small teams.
Unlimited payroll runs integrated with free accounting software
Wave Payroll is a cloud-based payroll solution from Wave Apps, tailored for small businesses and integrated with their free accounting and invoicing tools. It enables users to run unlimited payrolls, automatically calculate and withhold taxes, file forms like W-2s and 1099s, and facilitate direct deposits for employees and contractors. Primarily available in the US and Canada, it emphasizes simplicity and compliance automation for growing teams.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with no monthly fee for contractors
- Seamless integration with free Wave Accounting
- Unlimited payroll runs and automated tax filings
Cons
- Limited to US and Canada with state-specific restrictions
- No phone support or dedicated payroll advisor
- Basic reporting and lacks advanced HR tools
Best For
Small businesses and solopreneurs using Wave Accounting who need straightforward, low-cost payroll without complex HR needs.
Pricing
$20/month + $6/active employee (US/Canada employees) or $6/contractor (no monthly fee); free payroll setup and accounting integration.
Square Payroll
enterpriseSimple payroll integrated with Square payments for small businesses and contractors.
Automatic payroll syncing directly from Square POS sales data, ideal for tipped employees
Square Payroll is a streamlined payroll solution tailored for small businesses, especially those using Square's POS systems in retail and hospitality. It handles employee payments, tax calculations, filings for W-2s and 1099s, and benefits administration like health insurance in select states. The platform emphasizes simplicity, allowing payroll runs in minutes with automatic compliance features.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Square POS for instant sales-to-payroll syncing
- Quick setup and easy payroll processing for hourly/tipped workers
- Automated tax calculations, filings, and compliance handling
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to some budget competitors
- Limited to US businesses only
- Lacks advanced HR tools like performance management
Best For
Small retail, restaurant, or service businesses already using Square POS that need simple, integrated payroll.
Pricing
$35/month base + $6 per active employee/month (Core plan); add $5/contractor and options for same-day deposits.
SurePayroll
enterpriseOnline payroll service by Paychex offering tax filing and direct deposit for small businesses.
100% tax filing accuracy guarantee with penalty protection
SurePayroll is an online payroll solution tailored for small businesses, providing automated payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits. It offers employee self-service portals for pay stubs and W-2s, along with integrations for accounting software like QuickBooks. Backed by Paychex, it emphasizes compliance and simplicity for teams under 100 employees.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup
- Automatic federal, state, and local tax handling
- 24/7 U.S.-based customer support
Cons
- Limited built-in HR tools like benefits management
- Extra fees for multi-state payroll or add-ons
- Fewer advanced reporting options compared to enterprise solutions
Best For
Small businesses with 1-50 employees needing straightforward, compliant payroll without complex HR features.
Pricing
Starts at $20/month + $5 per employee/pay period; full-service plans from $40/month + $6/employee.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top 10 business payroll tools reveals a range of strong options, with Gusto leading as the top choice—offering full-service capabilities, benefits administration, and tailored HR tools that cater to diverse small business needs. While Gusto outshines the pack, QuickBooks Payroll impresses with its seamless integration with accounting software, a key benefit for those already using the platform, and OnPay stands out through unlimited runs, expert support, and multi-state tax filing, making it ideal for expanding teams. Together, these three tools exemplify the best in efficiency and customization for small businesses, with each adding unique value to suit different operational priorities.
Don’t miss out on simplifying your payroll processes—try Gusto today to unlock a comprehensive, user-friendly solution that streamlines payroll, benefits, and HR, designed to support your business as it grows.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.