Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Payroll - Integrated payroll and accounting software enabling seamless check printing, direct deposit, and automated tax filings.
- 2#2: Gusto - Modern payroll platform that prints and mails checks, handles compliance, and offers health benefits integration.
- 3#3: ADP RUN - Scalable payroll solution for businesses providing check printing, HR tools, and multi-state tax support.
- 4#4: Paychex Flex - Full-service payroll management with check printing, time tracking, and dedicated expert support.
- 5#5: Patriot Software - Affordable full-service payroll designed for small businesses with in-house check printing and tax filing.
- 6#6: OnPay - User-friendly payroll software supporting unlimited check printing, benefits, and 50-state compliance.
- 7#7: Rippling - Unified HR and payroll platform automating check payments, onboarding, and device management.
- 8#8: BambooHR Payroll - HR-focused payroll system with check printing integrated into employee management and performance tools.
- 9#9: Wave Payroll - Low-cost payroll add-on for small businesses offering check mailing and simple tax calculations.
- 10#10: Checkeeper - Secure online check printing and mailing service integrating with popular payroll software.
Tools were selected based on key factors like feature richness (such as check printing and direct deposit), ease of use, reliability, and value, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of businesses ranging from small startups to larger organizations.
Comparison Table
Use this comparison table to evaluate check payroll software side by side—starting with top picks like QuickBooks Payroll, Gusto, ADP RUN, Paychex Flex, and Patriot Software—so you can quickly spot the right fit for your business. Review the essentials, including core check-printing options, tax and compliance automation, HR add-ons, 50-state support, and typical pricing models, along with real-world usability factors that matter in 2026.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Payroll Integrated payroll and accounting software enabling seamless check printing, direct deposit, and automated tax filings. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Gusto Modern payroll platform that prints and mails checks, handles compliance, and offers health benefits integration. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | ADP RUN Scalable payroll solution for businesses providing check printing, HR tools, and multi-state tax support. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | Paychex Flex Full-service payroll management with check printing, time tracking, and dedicated expert support. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Patriot Software Affordable full-service payroll designed for small businesses with in-house check printing and tax filing. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 6 | OnPay User-friendly payroll software supporting unlimited check printing, benefits, and 50-state compliance. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 7 | Rippling Unified HR and payroll platform automating check payments, onboarding, and device management. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | BambooHR Payroll HR-focused payroll system with check printing integrated into employee management and performance tools. | enterprise | 8.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Wave Payroll Low-cost payroll add-on for small businesses offering check mailing and simple tax calculations. | other | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 10 | Checkeeper Secure online check printing and mailing service integrating with popular payroll software. | specialized | 7.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
Integrated payroll and accounting software enabling seamless check printing, direct deposit, and automated tax filings.
Modern payroll platform that prints and mails checks, handles compliance, and offers health benefits integration.
Scalable payroll solution for businesses providing check printing, HR tools, and multi-state tax support.
Full-service payroll management with check printing, time tracking, and dedicated expert support.
Affordable full-service payroll designed for small businesses with in-house check printing and tax filing.
User-friendly payroll software supporting unlimited check printing, benefits, and 50-state compliance.
Unified HR and payroll platform automating check payments, onboarding, and device management.
HR-focused payroll system with check printing integrated into employee management and performance tools.
Low-cost payroll add-on for small businesses offering check mailing and simple tax calculations.
Secure online check printing and mailing service integrating with popular payroll software.
QuickBooks Payroll
enterpriseIntegrated payroll and accounting software enabling seamless check printing, direct deposit, and automated tax filings.
Print unlimited payroll checks on plain paper using any standard printer, eliminating the need for expensive pre-printed checks
QuickBooks Payroll, from Intuit, is a leading payroll solution that integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting software to streamline payroll processing for small to medium-sized businesses. It supports check printing on plain paper or pre-printed stock, direct deposits, automated tax calculations, withholdings, and e-filing with federal, state, and local authorities. The platform also includes employee self-service portals for pay stubs and W-2s, ensuring compliance and efficiency in check-based payroll operations.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks for unified accounting and payroll
- Unlimited check printing on plain paper, reducing costs and hassle
- Automated tax filings and compliance tools for accuracy and peace of mind
Cons
- Higher pricing can be steep for very small businesses
- Steep learning curve for users new to QuickBooks ecosystem
- Occasional reports of customer support delays during peak seasons
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses using QuickBooks that require reliable, integrated check payroll with full tax compliance.
Pricing
Core plan starts at $45/month + $6/employee/month; Premium at $80/month + $9/employee/month; Elite at $125/month + $11/employee/month (billed annually).
Gusto
specializedModern payroll platform that prints and mails checks, handles compliance, and offers health benefits integration.
Full-service, next-day direct deposit with optional physical check mailing and automated multi-state tax compliance
Gusto is a comprehensive payroll and HR platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering automated payroll processing that supports direct deposit, printed checks, and wage attachments. It handles federal, state, and local tax calculations, filings, and payments automatically while providing employee self-service portals for payslips and time-off requests. Beyond payroll, Gusto integrates benefits administration, time tracking, and compliance tools to streamline HR operations.
Pros
- Automated tax filing and compliance across all 50 states
- Flexible payment options including direct deposit and mailed checks
- Intuitive interface with strong mobile app support
Cons
- Pricing scales up significantly for larger teams
- Advanced HR features locked behind higher-tier plans
- Occasional delays in customer support response times
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing an all-in-one payroll solution with robust HR and benefits integration.
Pricing
Starts at $40 base + $6/employee/month (Simple plan); Plus at $80 + $12/employee; Premium is custom quote; add-ons for checks and benefits.
ADP RUN
enterpriseScalable payroll solution for businesses providing check printing, HR tools, and multi-state tax support.
On-time payroll and tax filing guarantees with expert support
ADP RUN is a comprehensive payroll software solution from ADP tailored for small to mid-sized businesses, automating payroll processing, tax calculations, and compliance reporting. It supports paycheck printing, direct deposits, and pay cards, making it suitable for check-based payroll needs. The platform also integrates HR tools like time tracking, benefits management, and employee self-service portals for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Robust compliance and automated tax filing with accuracy guarantees
- Flexible payment options including check printing and direct deposit
- Scalable plans with HR integrations for growing teams
Cons
- Pricing can add up with per-employee fees and add-ons
- Initial setup and learning curve for non-experts
- Basic plan lacks advanced reporting and customization
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing reliable payroll with strong tax compliance and check printing capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month + $4/employee for Essential plan; higher tiers like Enhanced ($79 + $11/employee) and Complete ($105 + $13/employee) unlock more features.
Paychex Flex
enterpriseFull-service payroll management with check printing, time tracking, and dedicated expert support.
Integrated paycheck printing and mailing service for hands-off check distribution
Paychex Flex is a comprehensive cloud-based payroll and HR platform that excels in processing payroll via checks, direct deposit, or global payments, with automated tax calculations and filings. It includes employee self-service portals for payslip access and integrates with HR functions like benefits and time tracking. Ideal for businesses needing reliable check payroll alongside full-suite workforce management.
Pros
- Robust compliance tools with automated tax filing and payments
- Flexible payroll options including check printing and mailing services
- Scalable integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks
Cons
- Higher pricing that may not suit very small businesses
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Custom quotes can lead to variable costs
Best For
Mid-sized businesses seeking an all-in-one payroll solution with strong check processing and HR capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $80+ base/month plus $4-6 per employee, with add-ons for advanced features.
Patriot Software
specializedAffordable full-service payroll designed for small businesses with in-house check printing and tax filing.
Lifetime tax penalty guarantee—if Patriot errors cause penalties, they pay them
Patriot Software offers cloud-based payroll processing tailored for small businesses, enabling quick paycheck calculations, tax filings, and check printing. It supports manual check printing on standard stock with MICR encoding for bank compliance, alongside direct deposit options. The platform automates federal and state tax withholdings and provides unlimited payroll runs for flexibility.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with no hidden fees
- U.S.-based customer support available via phone
- Simple check printing and unlimited payroll processing
Cons
- Limited advanced HR tools and integrations
- Basic reporting capabilities
- No built-in time tracking
Best For
Small businesses needing straightforward, cost-effective payroll with reliable check printing and tax handling.
Pricing
Basic Payroll: $17 base + $4/employee/month (user-handled taxes); Full Service: $37 base + $4/employee/month (taxes filed by Patriot).
OnPay
specializedUser-friendly payroll software supporting unlimited check printing, benefits, and 50-state compliance.
Check printing and mailing service handled entirely by OnPay
OnPay is a full-service payroll software designed for small to medium-sized businesses, offering seamless payroll processing with support for checks, direct deposit, and even printed and mailed checks via their service. It automates tax calculations, filings, and payments for federal, state, and local taxes, while integrating with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero. Additional features include HR management, benefits administration, and unlimited payroll runs, making it a comprehensive solution for check-based payroll needs.
Pros
- Unlimited payroll runs and pay cycles at no extra cost
- Outstanding 24/7 customer support with payroll specialists
- Automated, guaranteed-accurate tax filings and payments
Cons
- Pricing increases with employee count ($6 per employee)
- Native time tracking requires third-party integrations
- Lacks a dedicated employee mobile app
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking reliable check payroll printing, mailing, and full tax compliance without in-house expertise.
Pricing
$40/month base + $6/active employee/month; free implementation, no contracts.
Rippling
enterpriseUnified HR and payroll platform automating check payments, onboarding, and device management.
Unified payroll automation that syncs check payments with instant IT provisioning and contractor management
Rippling is an all-in-one HR, payroll, and IT platform that streamlines payroll processing, including support for payroll checks via printing and mailing options. It automates payroll runs, tax calculations, filings, and compliance for US employees, with integration into broader workforce management. While powerful for comprehensive needs, it excels in unifying payroll with onboarding, benefits, and device management for end-to-end employee lifecycle automation.
Pros
- Seamless integration of payroll checks with HR, IT, and benefits administration
- Automated compliance, tax filing, and multi-state payroll support
- Flexible payment options including checks, direct deposit, and global payroll
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and full utilization
- Higher pricing may not suit small businesses focused solely on check payroll
- Overkill for companies needing only basic payroll without HR/IT features
Best For
Mid-sized businesses seeking an integrated HR and payroll platform with robust check processing capabilities.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts at $8 per employee/month for core HR, with payroll add-ons; full bundles around $10-15/user/month plus per-check fees.
BambooHR Payroll
enterpriseHR-focused payroll system with check printing integrated into employee management and performance tools.
Deep, automatic integration with BambooHR HRIS that populates payroll data instantly from employee records
BambooHR Payroll is an integrated payroll solution embedded within the BambooHR HRIS platform, designed to handle full-service payroll processing for U.S.-based small to mid-sized businesses. It supports direct deposits, printed checks, automatic tax calculations, filings, and W-2/1099 generation, with seamless synchronization of employee data from HR records. This eliminates manual data entry and ensures compliance across all 50 states.
Pros
- Seamless integration with BambooHR HRMS for automatic data syncing
- Intuitive interface with strong self-service employee portal
- Comprehensive U.S. tax compliance and multi-state support
Cons
- Higher cost for larger teams due to per-employee pricing
- Limited advanced reporting compared to dedicated payroll giants
- U.S.-only availability, no international payroll
Best For
Small to mid-sized U.S. businesses already using BambooHR HR software that want an all-in-one HR and payroll solution.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at about $6 per active employee per month plus a base fee; quotes required.
Wave Payroll
otherLow-cost payroll add-on for small businesses offering check mailing and simple tax calculations.
Seamless, free integration with Wave's accounting suite for automated bookkeeping from payroll data
Wave Payroll is a cloud-based payroll platform from Wave Apps tailored for small businesses and solopreneurs in the US and Canada, handling payroll calculations, tax withholdings, filings, and payments. It supports direct deposit, manual check printing via paystubs, and an optional print-and-mail check service for physical payroll checks. The software integrates seamlessly with Wave's free accounting tools, making it a one-stop solution for basic payroll needs including W-2/1099 forms.
Pros
- Affordable pay-per-active-employee pricing model
- Intuitive interface with quick payroll runs
- Free integration with Wave Accounting and invoicing
Cons
- Limited to US and Canada only
- No built-in check printing software (relies on third-party or mailing service)
- Customer support primarily email/chat, no phone option
Best For
Small businesses, freelancers, and solopreneurs in the US/Canada seeking simple, low-cost payroll with optional check mailing.
Pricing
Contractors: $20 base + $6/active/month; Employees: $40 base + $6/active employee/month; Check mailing extra at ~$2/check.
Checkeeper
specializedSecure online check printing and mailing service integrating with popular payroll software.
Print professional, MICR-encoded checks instantly using any home or office printer with plain blank check paper
Checkeeper is a cloud-based platform specializing in on-demand check printing and mailing, allowing businesses to create and print payroll checks using any standard printer and blank check stock. It supports secure digital signatures, positive pay fraud protection, and integration with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero for easier data import. While not a full payroll processing solution, it excels at handling the physical issuance of payroll checks for small to medium-sized businesses preferring paper paychecks over direct deposit.
Pros
- Highly flexible check printing on any printer with blank stock
- Secure mailing service with tracking and fraud protection
- Seamless integrations with popular accounting software
Cons
- Lacks built-in payroll calculations, taxes, or deductions
- Requires manual data entry for non-integrated payroll info
- Additional fees for mailing and higher volumes add up
Best For
Small businesses or organizations needing a simple, affordable way to print and mail physical payroll checks without a full-service payroll processor.
Pricing
Starts at $14.99/month (Solo: 50 checks); Standard $29.99 (500 checks); Enterprise custom; mailing from $1.25/check.
Conclusion
Reviewing leading check payroll software highlights a mix of tools, with QuickBooks Payroll emerging as the top choice due to its integrated accounting and seamless check printing. Gusto and ADP RUN follow closely, offering modern features like benefits integration and multi-state support, ensuring strong alternatives for varied business needs.
Elevate your payroll process—start with QuickBooks Payroll to simplify check printing, automate taxes, and focus on what matters most for your business.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.