Quick Overview
- 1#1: Gusto - Simplifies DIY payroll, tax filing, benefits administration, and HR compliance for small businesses.
- 2#2: QuickBooks Payroll - Integrates seamless payroll processing with accounting for small business owners handling their own payroll.
- 3#3: OnPay - Provides unlimited payroll runs, automated taxes, and benefits at a flat affordable rate for DIY users.
- 4#4: Patriot Software - Offers straightforward in-house payroll with direct deposit, tax filing, and 1099 support for small teams.
- 5#5: ADP Run - Delivers scalable DIY payroll with automated compliance, reporting, and employee self-service for growing businesses.
- 6#6: Paychex - Handles DIY payroll processing, tax management, and HR tools with expert support for small to mid-sized firms.
- 7#7: Wave Payroll - Enables low-cost DIY payroll for contractors and employees with automatic tax calculations and filings.
- 8#8: Square Payroll - Streamlines payroll for Square users with easy setup for contractors, employees, and next-day direct deposit.
- 9#9: SurePayroll - Offers simple online DIY payroll with guaranteed accurate tax filing and direct deposit for small businesses.
- 10#10: Payroll4Free - Provides free basic DIY payroll software for up to 25 employees with W-2 and 1099 preparation.
Tools were selected and ranked by evaluating feature breadth (tax filing, benefits, compliance), user experience (setup, navigation), reliability (accuracy, support), and overall cost-effectiveness to ensure they meet the needs of both first-time users and growing teams.
Comparison Table
DIY payroll software streamlines managing employee payments, taxes, and compliance, and selecting the right tool can significantly impact efficiency. This comparison table details popular options like Gusto, QuickBooks Payroll, OnPay, Patriot Software, and ADP Run, examining features, pricing, and user-friendliness to help readers identify the best fit for their needs. Whether prioritizing affordability, automation, or simplicity, the table equips users to make informed choices for their unique workflows.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gusto Simplifies DIY payroll, tax filing, benefits administration, and HR compliance for small businesses. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | QuickBooks Payroll Integrates seamless payroll processing with accounting for small business owners handling their own payroll. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 3 | OnPay Provides unlimited payroll runs, automated taxes, and benefits at a flat affordable rate for DIY users. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 4 | Patriot Software Offers straightforward in-house payroll with direct deposit, tax filing, and 1099 support for small teams. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 5 | ADP Run Delivers scalable DIY payroll with automated compliance, reporting, and employee self-service for growing businesses. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Paychex Handles DIY payroll processing, tax management, and HR tools with expert support for small to mid-sized firms. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.1/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 7 | Wave Payroll Enables low-cost DIY payroll for contractors and employees with automatic tax calculations and filings. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 8 | Square Payroll Streamlines payroll for Square users with easy setup for contractors, employees, and next-day direct deposit. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 9 | SurePayroll Offers simple online DIY payroll with guaranteed accurate tax filing and direct deposit for small businesses. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Payroll4Free Provides free basic DIY payroll software for up to 25 employees with W-2 and 1099 preparation. | enterprise | 6.8/10 | 6.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 9.5/10 |
Simplifies DIY payroll, tax filing, benefits administration, and HR compliance for small businesses.
Integrates seamless payroll processing with accounting for small business owners handling their own payroll.
Provides unlimited payroll runs, automated taxes, and benefits at a flat affordable rate for DIY users.
Offers straightforward in-house payroll with direct deposit, tax filing, and 1099 support for small teams.
Delivers scalable DIY payroll with automated compliance, reporting, and employee self-service for growing businesses.
Handles DIY payroll processing, tax management, and HR tools with expert support for small to mid-sized firms.
Enables low-cost DIY payroll for contractors and employees with automatic tax calculations and filings.
Streamlines payroll for Square users with easy setup for contractors, employees, and next-day direct deposit.
Offers simple online DIY payroll with guaranteed accurate tax filing and direct deposit for small businesses.
Provides free basic DIY payroll software for up to 25 employees with W-2 and 1099 preparation.
Gusto
enterpriseSimplifies DIY payroll, tax filing, benefits administration, and HR compliance for small businesses.
Hands-off, full-service tax compliance with automatic filings and payments across all jurisdictions
Gusto is an all-in-one payroll and HR platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, enabling DIY payroll processing with automated calculations, direct deposits, and full tax compliance. It handles federal, state, and local tax filings automatically, while integrating employee benefits, time tracking, and onboarding tools. Users can run unlimited payrolls effortlessly, with self-service portals for employees to view pay stubs and request time off.
Pros
- Automated full-service tax filing and payments
- Intuitive dashboard for quick payroll runs
- Robust integrations with accounting and benefits providers
Cons
- Per-employee pricing scales costs for larger teams
- Advanced HR features locked behind higher plans
- Occasional delays in customer support response
Best For
Small business owners and DIY payroll managers needing comprehensive, compliant payroll without expert hires.
Pricing
Simple plan starts at $40/month + $6/person/month; Plus at $80 + $12/person; Premium custom pricing; contractor-only option available.
QuickBooks Payroll
enterpriseIntegrates seamless payroll processing with accounting for small business owners handling their own payroll.
Native, real-time integration with QuickBooks Online/Desktop for automatic syncing of payroll data to accounting books
QuickBooks Payroll is a robust DIY payroll solution from Intuit that automates payroll processing, tax calculations, direct deposits, and compliance filings for small businesses. It excels in seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting software, enabling users to handle payroll and bookkeeping in one platform without needing external help. Key features include employee self-service portals, time tracking, and automated W-2/1099 generation, making it suitable for businesses managing payroll in-house.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks for unified accounting and payroll
- Automated federal/state tax calculations, filings, and payments
- Comprehensive employee portal for self-service payslips and PTO tracking
Cons
- Higher pricing with per-employee fees that add up for larger teams
- Learning curve for users not already familiar with QuickBooks ecosystem
- Some advanced features like multi-state payroll require premium tiers
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses already using QuickBooks who want an integrated DIY payroll solution without switching platforms.
Pricing
Core: $50/mo + $6/employee; Premium: $80/mo + $9/employee; Elite: $125/mo + $11/employee (billed annually; prices as of 2023)
OnPay
enterpriseProvides unlimited payroll runs, automated taxes, and benefits at a flat affordable rate for DIY users.
100% payroll accuracy guarantee with free corrections by in-house experts
OnPay is a user-friendly DIY payroll software tailored for small businesses, enabling seamless payroll processing, tax calculations, and filings without needing external help. It supports unlimited payroll runs, multi-state compliance, and integrates with tools like QuickBooks and Gusto. The platform also offers employee self-service portals for payslips and PTO tracking, making it efficient for hands-on payroll management.
Pros
- Unlimited payroll runs and payees for a flat fee
- Expert U.S.-based support from certified payroll pros
- Automatic multi-state tax filing and compliance guarantees
Cons
- No built-in time tracking (requires third-party integrations)
- Base fee adds up for very tiny teams under 5 employees
- Fewer advanced HR tools compared to full-suite competitors
Best For
Small businesses with 5-100 employees wanting simple, compliant DIY payroll with reliable support.
Pricing
$40 base fee + $6 per active employee/month (billed monthly; tax filing and setup included, first month often discounted).
Patriot Software
enterpriseOffers straightforward in-house payroll with direct deposit, tax filing, and 1099 support for small teams.
Unlimited payroll runs per month at a flat low cost
Patriot Software offers an affordable DIY payroll solution tailored for small businesses, enabling users to process payroll quickly with automatic tax calculations for federal, state, and local filings. It supports direct deposit, unlimited payroll runs per month, W-2 and 1099 preparation, and basic reporting tools. The platform emphasizes simplicity and cost-effectiveness, with a guarantee on tax penalty protection if users follow their guidelines.
Pros
- Very affordable pricing with no limits on payroll runs
- Quick setup and processing in minutes
- Tax accuracy guarantee and penalty protection
Cons
- Limited HR and benefits management features
- No integrated time tracking or mobile app
- Basic reporting lacks advanced customization
Best For
Small businesses with simple payroll needs and fewer than 25 employees seeking a budget-friendly DIY option.
Pricing
Basic DIY plan starts at $17/month + $4/employee/month (includes tax calculations); add-ons for direct deposit ($1/employee) and forms available.
ADP Run
enterpriseDelivers scalable DIY payroll with automated compliance, reporting, and employee self-service for growing businesses.
99% on-time payroll run guarantee with expert support for compliance issues
ADP Run is a robust DIY payroll platform tailored for small to mid-sized businesses, enabling users to process payroll, calculate taxes, and file forms independently. It includes employee self-service portals, time tracking, and benefits management to streamline HR tasks. With strong compliance tools and integrations, it helps businesses stay audit-ready without relying on full-service providers.
Pros
- Automated tax calculations and e-filing with compliance guarantees
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and other accounting tools
- Comprehensive HR tools including onboarding and performance tracking
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly with employee count and plan upgrades
- Initial setup can be time-intensive for complex payrolls
- Advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans
Best For
Small businesses with 10-100 employees seeking reliable, scalable DIY payroll with built-in compliance and HR support.
Pricing
Essential plan starts at $59/month + $4 per employee; Enhanced at $99/month + $9/ee; Complete at $148/month + $11/ee (billed annually).
Paychex
enterpriseHandles DIY payroll processing, tax management, and HR tools with expert support for small to mid-sized firms.
Guaranteed tax compliance with expert accuracy assurance and multi-state payroll support
Paychex offers a robust online payroll platform through Paychex Flex, enabling businesses to manage DIY payroll processing, including wage calculations, tax filings, direct deposits, and compliance reporting. It integrates HR tools, time tracking, and benefits administration for a comprehensive solution. While suitable for self-service, it also provides optional expert support, making it scalable for growing companies.
Pros
- Comprehensive features covering payroll, HR, and compliance in one platform
- Strong multi-state tax handling and automated filings
- Reliable integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic DIY competitors
- Steeper learning curve for setup and navigation
- Less intuitive for very small businesses or beginners
Best For
Mid-sized businesses seeking scalable DIY payroll with advanced compliance and HR capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting around $59/month base + $5 per employee, with tiers up to $200+/month for advanced plans.
Wave Payroll
enterpriseEnables low-cost DIY payroll for contractors and employees with automatic tax calculations and filings.
Deep integration with Wave's free, unlimited invoicing and accounting tools for a complete financial hub.
Wave Payroll is a DIY payroll solution from Wave Apps, designed for small businesses to handle employee payments, tax calculations, and filings directly within its free accounting platform. It supports W-2 employees and 1099 contractors in 14 U.S. states plus D.C. and Canada, automating payroll runs, direct deposits, and basic compliance tasks. While straightforward for basic needs, it lacks advanced HR features found in more robust competitors.
Pros
- Very affordable with no contracts or hidden fees
- Seamless integration with free Wave accounting and invoicing
- Intuitive interface ideal for non-experts
Cons
- Limited availability to only select U.S. states and Canada
- Lacks advanced HR tools like benefits management or time tracking
- Customer support primarily email-based, no phone option
Best For
Very small businesses or solopreneurs in supported U.S. states or Canada needing simple, low-cost payroll tied to basic accounting.
Pricing
Employees (Pro): $40/month + $6 per active employee/month (includes auto tax filing); Contractors: $20/month base + $0.40 per payment; accounting core is free.
Square Payroll
enterpriseStreamlines payroll for Square users with easy setup for contractors, employees, and next-day direct deposit.
Deep integration with Square POS and Shifts for automatic payroll pulls from clock-in hours and sales data
Square Payroll is a user-friendly payroll solution tailored for small businesses, especially those using Square's point-of-sale system. It enables DIY payroll processing by allowing users to run unlimited pay runs for W-2 employees and 1099 contractors, calculate withholdings, and handle direct deposits. The platform automates federal and state tax filings in 47 supported states, with seamless integration for time tracking via Square Shifts.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Square POS and Shifts for automated time tracking
- Unlimited payroll runs with automatic tax calculations
- Supports both employees and contractors with next-day direct deposit options
Cons
- Limited advanced HR tools like benefits administration or ACA compliance
- Tax filing not available in all states or for all local taxes
- Pricing scales less favorably for teams over 10 employees
Best For
Small retail or service businesses already using Square POS that want simple, integrated DIY payroll without needing full HR features.
Pricing
Payroll Core starts at $35/month + $6 per team member/month; Payroll Plus at $45/month + $10 per team member; Full Service at $55/month + $10 per team member (taxes extra).
SurePayroll
enterpriseOffers simple online DIY payroll with guaranteed accurate tax filing and direct deposit for small businesses.
Guaranteed accurate and on-time tax filing with penalties covered
SurePayroll is an online DIY payroll software tailored for small businesses, enabling users to process payroll, calculate taxes, and file returns independently. It offers features like direct deposit, employee self-service portals, and integration with accounting tools for seamless operations. Backed by Paychex, it emphasizes simplicity and compliance for businesses handling their own payroll without full-service HR.
Pros
- Intuitive interface ideal for non-experts
- Automatic federal and state tax calculations and filings
- Unlimited payroll runs per month
Cons
- Limited advanced HR and reporting capabilities
- Extra fees for add-ons like time tracking
- Support hours are business-only, not 24/7
Best For
Small businesses with 1-50 employees seeking affordable, basic DIY payroll without needing comprehensive HR tools.
Pricing
Starts at $19.99/month + $4.99/active employee + $1/pay stub; higher tiers for added features.
Payroll4Free
enterpriseProvides free basic DIY payroll software for up to 25 employees with W-2 and 1099 preparation.
100% free core payroll for small teams with no usage limits
Payroll4Free is a completely free online payroll solution tailored for very small U.S. businesses with up to 25 employees. It automates payroll calculations, federal and state tax withholdings, and generates essential forms like W-2s and 1099s with unlimited pay runs. While basic in scope, it provides a no-cost entry point for DIY payroll without subscription fees.
Pros
- Completely free for up to 25 employees
- Unlimited payroll processing and tax calculations
- Generates W-2s, 1099s, and basic reports
Cons
- Employee cap at 25 (paid upgrade needed beyond)
- No employee self-service portal or mobile app
- Limited integrations and advanced HR features
Best For
Very small businesses or startups with 1-25 employees needing basic, no-cost payroll without complex requirements.
Pricing
Free for 1-25 employees; optional paid add-ons like direct deposit ($12.95/month + $1/employee) and printing services.
Conclusion
With a range of options suited to different needs and business sizes, the reviewed DIY payroll tools stand out for their ability to simplify complex tasks. Gusto, the top choice, excels in its seamless integration of payroll, tax filing, benefits, and compliance, making it ideal for many small businesses. QuickBooks Payroll and OnPay follow closely, offering strong alternatives—QuickBooks for its deep accounting integration and OnPay for its affordability and unlimited runs—ensuring there’s a fit for nearly every user.
Whether starting out or scaling up, take the first step toward easier payroll management by exploring Gusto, a reliable solution that balances simplicity with comprehensive support.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison