Quick Overview
- 1#1: Gusto - Full-service payroll, benefits, and HR platform designed for small businesses with automated tax filing and compliance.
- 2#2: OnPay - Affordable full-service payroll software offering unlimited payroll runs, expert support, and seamless integrations for SMBs.
- 3#3: Patriot Software - Budget-friendly payroll solution with direct deposit, tax filing, and simple time tracking for small businesses.
- 4#4: QuickBooks Payroll - Integrated payroll for QuickBooks users providing automated payroll, tax calculations, and employee self-service.
- 5#5: Wave Payroll - Low-cost payroll add-on to free accounting software with compliant tax filing available in select states.
- 6#6: Square Payroll - Simple, per-employee payroll pricing with next-day direct deposit and integration for Square point-of-sale users.
- 7#7: ADP RUN - Scalable payroll for small businesses featuring automated taxes, HR tools, and mobile employee access.
- 8#8: SurePayroll - Cost-effective online payroll with guaranteed accurate tax filing and unlimited payroll support.
- 9#9: Payroll4Free - Free payroll software for businesses with up to 25 employees, including W-2s and direct deposit.
- 10#10: Zenefits - All-in-one HR and payroll platform with affordable plans for benefits administration and compliance.
We curated these tools by prioritizing features like automated tax filing, ease of use, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, ensuring the rankings reflect both practicality and value for businesses seeking efficient, budget-friendly solutions.
Comparison Table
Discover a comparison of leading affordable payroll software tools such as Gusto, OnPay, Patriot Software, QuickBooks Payroll, Wave Payroll, and additional options. This table outlines key features, pricing structures, and usability to assist in finding the best fit for your business's budget and operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gusto Full-service payroll, benefits, and HR platform designed for small businesses with automated tax filing and compliance. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | OnPay Affordable full-service payroll software offering unlimited payroll runs, expert support, and seamless integrations for SMBs. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 3 | Patriot Software Budget-friendly payroll solution with direct deposit, tax filing, and simple time tracking for small businesses. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | QuickBooks Payroll Integrated payroll for QuickBooks users providing automated payroll, tax calculations, and employee self-service. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 5 | Wave Payroll Low-cost payroll add-on to free accounting software with compliant tax filing available in select states. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 6 | Square Payroll Simple, per-employee payroll pricing with next-day direct deposit and integration for Square point-of-sale users. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 7 | ADP RUN Scalable payroll for small businesses featuring automated taxes, HR tools, and mobile employee access. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 8 | SurePayroll Cost-effective online payroll with guaranteed accurate tax filing and unlimited payroll support. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 9 | Payroll4Free Free payroll software for businesses with up to 25 employees, including W-2s and direct deposit. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 10 | Zenefits All-in-one HR and payroll platform with affordable plans for benefits administration and compliance. | enterprise | 6.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 5.9/10 |
Full-service payroll, benefits, and HR platform designed for small businesses with automated tax filing and compliance.
Affordable full-service payroll software offering unlimited payroll runs, expert support, and seamless integrations for SMBs.
Budget-friendly payroll solution with direct deposit, tax filing, and simple time tracking for small businesses.
Integrated payroll for QuickBooks users providing automated payroll, tax calculations, and employee self-service.
Low-cost payroll add-on to free accounting software with compliant tax filing available in select states.
Simple, per-employee payroll pricing with next-day direct deposit and integration for Square point-of-sale users.
Scalable payroll for small businesses featuring automated taxes, HR tools, and mobile employee access.
Cost-effective online payroll with guaranteed accurate tax filing and unlimited payroll support.
Free payroll software for businesses with up to 25 employees, including W-2s and direct deposit.
All-in-one HR and payroll platform with affordable plans for benefits administration and compliance.
Gusto
enterpriseFull-service payroll, benefits, and HR platform designed for small businesses with automated tax filing and compliance.
Hands-off, full-service tax filing and direct deposit payments included in all plans
Gusto is a comprehensive payroll and HR platform tailored for small businesses, automating payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and payments. It also provides employee benefits administration, time tracking, onboarding, and compliance tools in an intuitive dashboard. Ideal for growing teams, it offers scalability without the complexity of enterprise software, making it a top choice for affordable workforce management.
Pros
- Automated full-service payroll and tax compliance saves significant time and reduces errors
- User-friendly interface with mobile app for on-the-go access
- Bundled HR tools like benefits and performance management at no extra cost
- Seamless integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks
Cons
- Per-employee pricing can add up for larger teams
- No completely free tier, basic plan starts at $40/month
- Advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans
Best For
Small businesses and startups needing affordable, all-in-one payroll with robust HR features.
Pricing
Simple: $40/mo + $6/employee; Plus: $80/mo + $12/employee; Premium: $149/mo + $22/employee (billed monthly, 1-month free trial).
OnPay
enterpriseAffordable full-service payroll software offering unlimited payroll runs, expert support, and seamless integrations for SMBs.
100% accuracy guarantee on tax filings, with OnPay covering penalties if they err
OnPay is an affordable payroll software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, providing unlimited payroll runs, automated federal and state tax filings, and new hire reporting. It integrates seamlessly with accounting tools like QuickBooks and offers benefits administration for health insurance, 401(k)s, and more. With a user-friendly interface and expert support, OnPay simplifies compliance-heavy payroll tasks without hidden fees or per-run charges.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with no hidden fees or limits on payroll runs
- Excellent multi-state tax compliance and filings
- Dedicated US-based customer support
Cons
- Time tracking and HR tools require add-ons
- Lacks advanced analytics or international payroll
- No free tier or trial for full features
Best For
Small to medium US businesses needing reliable, low-cost payroll without complex setups.
Pricing
$40 base fee + $6 per employee/month; unlimited runs, no setup fees.
Patriot Software
enterpriseBudget-friendly payroll solution with direct deposit, tax filing, and simple time tracking for small businesses.
On-time tax filing guarantee, ensuring penalties are covered if they miss deadlines
Patriot Software offers affordable, full-service payroll solutions designed for small businesses, handling payroll calculations, direct deposits, and federal/state tax filings automatically. Its straightforward platform simplifies payroll processing without requiring extensive accounting knowledge, making it ideal for users seeking hassle-free operations. Additional add-ons for HR, time & attendance, and benefits administration provide scalability as businesses grow.
Pros
- Very low pricing with no hidden fees
- Automatic tax filing and payments with on-time guarantee
- Unlimited payroll runs and easy setup
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer integrations compared to larger competitors
- Basic HR features require add-ons
Best For
Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees needing simple, cost-effective payroll without in-house expertise.
Pricing
Basic Payroll: $17/month + $4/employee/month; Full Service: $37/month + $4/employee/month (billed annually).
QuickBooks Payroll
enterpriseIntegrated payroll for QuickBooks users providing automated payroll, tax calculations, and employee self-service.
Native, real-time integration with QuickBooks Online accounting software
QuickBooks Payroll is a full-service payroll solution from Intuit that automates paycheck calculations, tax withholdings, filings, and direct deposits for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers tiered plans with features like employee self-service portals, benefits administration, and time tracking integration. Designed to sync seamlessly with QuickBooks Online, it streamlines accounting and payroll in one ecosystem.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks Online for unified accounting and payroll
- Automated federal and state tax filings and payments
- Next-day direct deposit and robust employee self-service tools
Cons
- Higher base pricing than many budget competitors
- Per-employee fees add up for larger teams
- Less ideal for businesses not using QuickBooks ecosystem
Best For
Small businesses already using QuickBooks Online that want integrated payroll without extra data entry.
Pricing
Core: $50/mo + $6/active employee; Premium: $80/mo + $9/emp; Elite: $125/mo + $11/emp (plus 30-day free trial).
Wave Payroll
enterpriseLow-cost payroll add-on to free accounting software with compliant tax filing available in select states.
Free, unlimited integration with Wave's robust accounting platform
Wave Payroll is an affordable, cloud-based payroll solution from Wave Apps, integrated seamlessly with their free accounting and invoicing tools. It handles employee and contractor payments, tax calculations, withholdings, and filings for supported US states and Canada, with unlimited payroll runs and direct deposit options. Designed for small businesses, it emphasizes simplicity and low cost without advanced HR features.
Pros
- Very low cost with no contracts or setup fees
- Seamless integration with free Wave accounting software
- Intuitive interface ideal for non-experts
- Unlimited payroll runs and automatic tax filings in supported areas
Cons
- Limited availability to select US states and Canada only
- Lacks advanced features like benefits administration or time tracking
- Email/chat support only, no phone option
- Occasional reports of tax form glitches or delays
Best For
Very small businesses or freelancers using Wave accounting who need basic payroll in supported US states or Canada without complex needs.
Pricing
$20 base + $6/active employee/month (US); $25 base + $6/employee or $3/contractor/month (Canada); free for contractors in some plans.
Square Payroll
enterpriseSimple, per-employee payroll pricing with next-day direct deposit and integration for Square point-of-sale users.
Instant wage access for employees via Square debit cards with no extra fees
Square Payroll is an affordable, user-friendly payroll solution tailored for small businesses, especially those using Square's point-of-sale system. It automates payroll processing, tax calculations and filings, direct deposits, and contractor payments across select U.S. states. The service integrates seamlessly with Square tools for time tracking and sales data, making it ideal for quick-setup payroll without advanced HR needs.
Pros
- Highly affordable for small teams with low base fees
- Seamless integration with Square POS and time tracking
- Automatic tax filing and compliance in supported states
Cons
- Limited to 18 U.S. states, not nationwide
- Basic features lacking advanced HR tools or reporting
- Per-employee fees can increase costs for growing teams
Best For
Small retail, restaurant, or service businesses already using Square POS that need simple, low-cost payroll.
Pricing
$35/month + $6 per active employee for full-service payroll (Core plan); $5/month + $6 per contractor for contractor-only; available in select states.
ADP RUN
enterpriseScalable payroll for small businesses featuring automated taxes, HR tools, and mobile employee access.
Tax filing guarantee: ADP covers penalties if they make a compliance error
ADP RUN is a cloud-based payroll platform tailored for small businesses, offering automated payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and compliance management. It includes employee self-service portals, benefits tracking, and integrations with popular accounting and HR tools. Designed for simplicity, it scales with growing teams while ensuring accuracy in payroll runs.
Pros
- Automated tax filing and compliance with accuracy guarantee
- 24/7 U.S.-based customer support
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks and other apps
Cons
- Per-employee fees increase costs for larger teams
- Initial setup requires some learning curve
- Basic plan lacks advanced reporting features
Best For
Small businesses with 1-50 employees needing reliable payroll compliance on a moderate budget.
Pricing
Essential plan starts at $59/month + $4/employee; Enhanced at $99/month + $9/employee; custom quotes for larger needs.
SurePayroll
enterpriseCost-effective online payroll with guaranteed accurate tax filing and unlimited payroll support.
Guaranteed on-time, accurate tax filing and payments
SurePayroll is an affordable online payroll solution from Paychex, tailored for small businesses handling payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits. It simplifies payroll runs with an intuitive dashboard, employee self-service portals, and automated compliance features. Ideal for basic needs, it avoids the complexity of full-suite HR platforms while ensuring accuracy through Paychex's backing.
Pros
- Low monthly base fee starting at $20 plus per-employee cost
- Quick setup and easy-to-use interface for non-experts
- Reliable tax filing with accuracy guarantee and next-day direct deposit
Cons
- Limited advanced HR tools like benefits management
- Per-employee fees can increase costs for larger teams
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to top competitors
Best For
Small businesses with fewer than 25 employees seeking simple, cost-effective payroll without needing extensive HR features.
Pricing
Essential plan at $20/month + $4/employee; Complete at $40/month + $5/employee; no long-term contracts required.
Payroll4Free
enterpriseFree payroll software for businesses with up to 25 employees, including W-2s and direct deposit.
100% free payroll processing, including taxes, direct deposit, and W-2/1099 forms for small teams.
Payroll4Free is a web-based payroll software that provides completely free payroll processing for small businesses with up to 25 employees. It handles wage calculations, federal and state tax withholdings, check printing, direct deposits, and year-end forms like W-2s and 1099s. The service is ideal for basic payroll needs without advanced HR features.
Pros
- Completely free for businesses with 25 or fewer employees
- Handles tax calculations and filings automatically
- Simple interface with quick setup
Cons
- Limited to 25 employees on the free plan
- Lacks advanced features like time tracking or benefits management
- Customer support is email-only and slower
Best For
Very small businesses or startups with fewer than 25 employees seeking a no-cost, straightforward payroll solution.
Pricing
Free for up to 25 employees; $15 base fee + $2 per additional employee per month for larger teams.
Zenefits
enterpriseAll-in-one HR and payroll platform with affordable plans for benefits administration and compliance.
Seamless payroll integration with benefits administration and auto-enrollment
Zenefits is an all-in-one HR platform that includes payroll processing, benefits administration, employee onboarding, time tracking, and compliance management for small to medium-sized businesses. It automates payroll tasks like tax calculations, direct deposits, and W-2/1099 filings across multiple states. While it bundles payroll with broader HR tools, it's not the most bare-bones or lowest-cost option focused solely on payroll.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration of payroll with HR, benefits, and compliance tools
- Supports multi-state payroll and automated tax filings
- Core HR features available for free, with payroll as an affordable add-on
Cons
- Higher per-employee costs compared to dedicated cheap payroll providers
- Setup and onboarding can be time-consuming for simple payroll needs
- Past customer service and compliance issues have impacted reputation
Best For
Small businesses seeking an integrated HR-payroll solution on a moderate budget rather than ultra-cheap standalone payroll.
Pricing
Core HR is free; payroll included in plans starting at $10/active employee per month (Launch plan), scaling to $14+ for advanced features; pay-per-employee model with no base fee.
Conclusion
Among the reviewed cheap payroll tools, Gusto shines as the top choice, offering a comprehensive platform with automated tax filing and HR support for small businesses. OnPay and Patriot Software stand out as strong alternatives—OnPay for its unlimited payroll runs and integrations, and Patriot for its budget-friendly simplicity and essential features. Each tool caters to specific needs, but Gusto leads as the most versatile and reliable option.
Ready to simplify payroll? Start with Gusto to experience seamless compliance, support, and efficiency that scales with your business.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison