Quick Overview
- 1#1: Gusto - Full-service payroll, benefits, and HR platform designed for easy use by small businesses.
- 2#2: OnPay - Affordable, user-friendly payroll software with unlimited payroll runs and expert support for small businesses.
- 3#3: QuickBooks Payroll - Seamless payroll integration with QuickBooks accounting software for effortless small business management.
- 4#4: Patriot Software - Simple, low-cost payroll solution with direct deposit and tax filing for small businesses.
- 5#5: Wave Payroll - Budget-friendly payroll tool integrated with free accounting for very small businesses.
- 6#6: Square Payroll - Easy payroll for Square users with automatic tax calculations and same-day direct deposit.
- 7#7: ADP RUN - Scalable payroll software with HR tools and compliance support for growing small businesses.
- 8#8: Paychex Flex - Comprehensive payroll and HR services with mobile access for small to mid-sized businesses.
- 9#9: Rippling - All-in-one platform automating payroll, HR, and IT for streamlined small business operations.
- 10#10: SurePayroll - Online payroll service by Paychex offering quick setup and automated tax handling for small businesses.
We evaluated tools based on user-friendliness, feature depth (including tax automation and integration), quality of support, and overall value, ensuring alignment with the needs of small businesses seeking both simplicity and reliability.
Comparison Table
This comparison table breaks down top easy small business payroll software options, such as Gusto, OnPay, QuickBooks Payroll, Patriot Software, Wave Payroll, and more, to simplify choosing the right solution. Readers will gain insights into features, pricing, and usability, helping them align the tool with their business needs effectively.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gusto Full-service payroll, benefits, and HR platform designed for easy use by small businesses. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | OnPay Affordable, user-friendly payroll software with unlimited payroll runs and expert support for small businesses. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 3 | QuickBooks Payroll Seamless payroll integration with QuickBooks accounting software for effortless small business management. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | Patriot Software Simple, low-cost payroll solution with direct deposit and tax filing for small businesses. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 5 | Wave Payroll Budget-friendly payroll tool integrated with free accounting for very small businesses. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 6 | Square Payroll Easy payroll for Square users with automatic tax calculations and same-day direct deposit. | enterprise | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 7 | ADP RUN Scalable payroll software with HR tools and compliance support for growing small businesses. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | Paychex Flex Comprehensive payroll and HR services with mobile access for small to mid-sized businesses. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Rippling All-in-one platform automating payroll, HR, and IT for streamlined small business operations. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | SurePayroll Online payroll service by Paychex offering quick setup and automated tax handling for small businesses. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
Full-service payroll, benefits, and HR platform designed for easy use by small businesses.
Affordable, user-friendly payroll software with unlimited payroll runs and expert support for small businesses.
Seamless payroll integration with QuickBooks accounting software for effortless small business management.
Simple, low-cost payroll solution with direct deposit and tax filing for small businesses.
Budget-friendly payroll tool integrated with free accounting for very small businesses.
Easy payroll for Square users with automatic tax calculations and same-day direct deposit.
Scalable payroll software with HR tools and compliance support for growing small businesses.
Comprehensive payroll and HR services with mobile access for small to mid-sized businesses.
All-in-one platform automating payroll, HR, and IT for streamlined small business operations.
Online payroll service by Paychex offering quick setup and automated tax handling for small businesses.
Gusto
enterpriseFull-service payroll, benefits, and HR platform designed for easy use by small businesses.
Full-service payroll with guaranteed accuracy on tax filings and direct deposits handled entirely by Gusto
Gusto is an all-in-one payroll and HR platform designed specifically for small businesses, automating payroll runs, tax calculations, filings, and payments across federal, state, and local levels. It offers employee self-service for payslips, time-off requests, and benefits enrollment, while integrating seamlessly with popular accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero. Beyond payroll, Gusto provides HR tools such as onboarding, performance management, and health insurance administration, making it a comprehensive solution for growing teams.
Pros
- Exceptionally user-friendly interface with quick setup and run payroll in minutes
- Full-service tax compliance including automated filings and payments
- Robust all-in-one HR suite including benefits and onboarding
Cons
- Pricing scales up quickly with employee count and advanced features
- Limited support for international payroll or contractors outside the US
- Some advanced customizations require higher-tier plans
Best For
Small businesses with 1-100 employees looking for a simple, automated payroll solution that handles compliance without needing in-house expertise.
Pricing
Starts at $40/month + $6/employee (Simple), $80/month + $12/employee (Plus), and custom Premium pricing; contractor-only plan at $35/month + $6/contractor.
OnPay
enterpriseAffordable, user-friendly payroll software with unlimited payroll runs and expert support for small businesses.
100% payroll tax filing accuracy guarantee, covering penalties and interest if they make an error
OnPay is a user-friendly payroll software tailored for small businesses, handling payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and payments across all 50 states with guaranteed accuracy. It offers unlimited monthly payroll runs, employee self-service portals for payslips and tax forms, and seamless integrations with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero. The platform also supports benefits administration, new hire reporting, and multi-state payroll, making it a comprehensive solution for growing teams.
Pros
- Unlimited payroll runs at a flat base price
- 100% payroll tax accuracy guarantee (they pay penalties if wrong)
- Outstanding customer support with live U.S.-based experts
Cons
- No built-in time tracking (requires integrations)
- Limited advanced HR tools compared to full-suite competitors
- Additional fees for some add-ons like workers' comp tracking
Best For
Small businesses with 1-100 employees seeking simple, reliable payroll without the hassle of manual tax compliance.
Pricing
$40/month base fee + $6/active employee/month; no long-term contracts, free setup and data migration.
QuickBooks Payroll
enterpriseSeamless payroll integration with QuickBooks accounting software for effortless small business management.
Native, real-time integration with QuickBooks Online that automatically syncs payroll expenses to accounting ledgers
QuickBooks Payroll is a user-friendly payroll solution from Intuit tailored for small businesses, handling employee payments, tax calculations, filings, and compliance effortlessly. It shines with seamless integration into QuickBooks Online, syncing payroll data directly with accounting records to streamline operations. Additional features include direct deposit, paid time off tracking, and an employee self-service portal for managing pay stubs and W-2s.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks Online for unified accounting and payroll
- Automated federal, state, and local tax calculations and filings
- Employee self-service portal for pay stubs, tax forms, and PTO requests
Cons
- Higher pricing with per-employee fees that add up for larger teams
- Less optimal as a standalone solution without QuickBooks ecosystem
- Occasional learning curve for non-QuickBooks users and mixed customer support experiences
Best For
Small businesses already using QuickBooks Online that need straightforward, integrated payroll without complex setups.
Pricing
Core plan starts at $50/month + $6/employee; Premium at $80/month + $9/employee; Elite at $125/month + $11/employee (plus 1099 filing fees).
Patriot Software
enterpriseSimple, low-cost payroll solution with direct deposit and tax filing for small businesses.
Unlimited payroll runs for a flat low monthly fee, allowing businesses to pay employees as often as needed without extra costs.
Patriot Software offers an intuitive online payroll solution designed specifically for small businesses, enabling quick payroll processing, direct deposits, and automated tax calculations. It includes features like new hire reporting, W-2/1099 filing, and unlimited payroll runs, making it suitable for businesses with straightforward payroll needs. The platform emphasizes simplicity and affordability without unnecessary complexity.
Pros
- Extremely affordable pricing with unlimited payroll runs
- User-friendly interface that allows payroll in minutes
- Responsive U.S.-based customer support
Cons
- Limited advanced HR features without add-ons
- Fewer integrations compared to enterprise solutions
- Basic reporting capabilities
Best For
Small businesses with 1-50 employees seeking simple, cost-effective payroll without complex needs.
Pricing
Basic Payroll: $17 base + $4/employee/month (annual); Full Service adds tax filing for extra $15/month + same per-employee fee; free trial available.
Wave Payroll
enterpriseBudget-friendly payroll tool integrated with free accounting for very small businesses.
Free, seamless integration with Wave Accounting for one-stop financial management
Wave Payroll is an intuitive, cloud-based payroll solution from Wave Apps, seamlessly integrated with their free accounting software, making it ideal for small businesses handling payroll effortlessly. It automates wage calculations, direct deposits, tax withholdings, and form generation like W-2s and 1099s for employees and contractors. Available in the US, Canada, and UK, it emphasizes simplicity and affordability without long-term contracts.
Pros
- Exceptionally user-friendly interface with minimal setup time
- Affordable pricing with no contracts or hidden fees
- Tight integration with Wave's free invoicing and accounting tools
Cons
- Limited to select states/countries with extra fees for tax filing in some areas
- Lacks advanced HR features like benefits management or time tracking
- Customer support is email-based and slower than competitors
Best For
Solopreneurs and very small businesses (under 10 employees) needing simple, low-cost payroll without complexity.
Pricing
Free for contractors only; $20 base + $6/active employee/month (self-service) or $40 base + $6/active employee/month (full service with tax payments), plus per-state tax fees.
Square Payroll
enterpriseEasy payroll for Square users with automatic tax calculations and same-day direct deposit.
One-click payroll directly from Square Dashboard with automatic shift-based time tracking
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 allowing users to run paychecks in minutes, manage direct deposits, and automatically calculate and file federal, state, and local taxes. The service supports both W-2 employees and 1099 contractors, with built-in time tracking and scheduling integration for Square users.
Pros
- Extremely intuitive interface for quick payroll runs
- Seamless integration with Square POS and scheduling
- Automatic tax calculations and filings across most US states
Cons
- Lacks advanced HR tools like benefits administration
- US-only availability with state-specific limitations
- Per-employee fees can add up for growing teams
Best For
Small retail, restaurant, or service businesses already using Square POS that need simple, integrated payroll without complex features.
Pricing
$35 base fee + $6 per employee/month in most states ($10 per employee in CA, no base; $6 per contractor)
ADP RUN
enterpriseScalable payroll software with HR tools and compliance support for growing small businesses.
ADP's TotalPay Confidence program guaranteeing 100% tax accuracy and compliance
ADP RUN is a robust payroll platform designed specifically for small businesses, automating payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits. It offers tiered plans with HR tools, benefits administration, time tracking, and compliance support to streamline operations. Backed by ADP's decades of expertise, it ensures accuracy and scalability for growing teams.
Pros
- Automated tax filing and payments with compliance guarantees
- Scalable plans with HR and benefits management
- 24/7 U.S.-based support and mobile app accessibility
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to simpler competitors
- Some advanced features require pricier tiers
- Steeper learning curve for non-HR users
Best For
Small businesses with 1-50 employees seeking reliable, compliant payroll from a trusted enterprise provider.
Pricing
Essential ($59/mo + $4/employee), Enhanced ($99/mo + $7/employee), Complete ($148/mo + $11/employee); free trial available.
Paychex Flex
enterpriseComprehensive payroll and HR services with mobile access for small to mid-sized businesses.
Built-in compliance engine that automatically handles multi-state taxes, filings, and updates
Paychex Flex is a comprehensive cloud-based payroll and HR management platform tailored for small to mid-sized businesses, offering seamless payroll processing, tax compliance, benefits administration, and employee self-service tools. It integrates time tracking, talent management, and reporting in one intuitive dashboard, making it scalable as businesses grow. With strong emphasis on automation and regulatory compliance, it's a reliable choice for handling complex payroll needs without in-house expertise.
Pros
- All-in-one payroll, HR, and benefits management
- Automated tax filing and compliance across multiple states
- Dedicated customer support and expert guidance
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic payroll-only tools
- Feature-rich interface may overwhelm absolute beginners
- Custom quotes required, complicating upfront cost comparisons
Best For
Small businesses with 10-100 employees seeking an integrated, compliant payroll and HR solution that scales with growth.
Pricing
Custom quotes; basic payroll starts at ~$59/month + $5/employee, HR-inclusive plans ~$110+/month + $5/employee.
Rippling
enterpriseAll-in-one platform automating payroll, HR, and IT for streamlined small business operations.
Real-time sync across HR, payroll, IT, and 500+ apps via a single employee record
Rippling is a comprehensive all-in-one platform that combines HR, payroll, IT, and benefits management to streamline employee operations for small to mid-sized businesses. It automates payroll processing, tax compliance, onboarding, and device management in a single system. While powerful for scaling companies, it offers payroll tailored for U.S. and international teams with easy multi-state support.
Pros
- Seamless integration of payroll with HR, IT, and apps for unified employee management
- Automated compliance and global payroll across 100+ countries
- Fast onboarding and self-service tools reduce admin time
Cons
- Pricing can be expensive for very small teams under 10 employees
- Feature-rich interface has a learning curve for basic payroll users
- Custom quotes make it hard to compare upfront costs
Best For
Growing small businesses with 10-100 employees needing an integrated payroll and HR platform that scales without multiple tools.
Pricing
Starts at $8/user/month for HR core, plus $5-11/user/month for payroll; custom enterprise pricing with add-ons for benefits/IT.
SurePayroll
enterpriseOnline payroll service by Paychex offering quick setup and automated tax handling for small businesses.
One-click payroll runs that process and distribute pay in under 5 minutes
SurePayroll is an online payroll platform designed specifically for small businesses, enabling quick payroll processing, automatic tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits in minutes. It offers employee self-service portals for payslips and tax forms, along with integrations for QuickBooks and other accounting tools. Backed by Paychex, it emphasizes simplicity and compliance for businesses with limited HR resources.
Pros
- Intuitive interface for fast setup and processing
- Automatic federal, state, and local tax handling
- Seamless QuickBooks integration
Cons
- Limited advanced HR tools like benefits management
- Pricing scales quickly with employee count
- Customer support primarily via phone/email, no live chat
Best For
Small business owners with 1-50 employees who need simple, compliant payroll without complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $19.99/month base + $4.99 per employee per pay period; pay-as-you-go taxes available.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools provide small businesses with diverse, user-friendly options to manage payroll, with Gusto leading as the top choice for its comprehensive full-service platform, OnPay standing out for affordability and expert support, and QuickBooks Payroll a reliable pick for seamless integration with accounting software. Each tool addresses specific needs, ensuring owners can find the ideal solution to streamline operations.
Don't delay—explore Gusto to experience its intuitive features and all-in-one support, and take the first step toward hassle-free payroll management for your business.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison