Quick Overview
- 1#1: Gusto - Streamlines payroll, benefits, and HR for small businesses with automated tax filing and compliance.
- 2#2: Rippling - Integrates payroll with HR, IT, and finance in one platform for seamless employee management.
- 3#3: QuickBooks Payroll - Provides payroll processing integrated with accounting software for easy direct deposit and tax calculations.
- 4#4: OnPay - Offers unlimited payroll runs, automated taxes, and benefits administration for growing businesses.
- 5#5: Patriot Software - Delivers full-service payroll with direct deposit, tax filing, and 24/7 support for small to mid-sized firms.
- 6#6: Wave Payroll - Enables simple payroll for contractors and employees with automatic tax calculations at no monthly fee in select regions.
- 7#7: Square Payroll - Simplifies payroll for small businesses using Square, including next-day direct deposit and tax services.
- 8#8: Paychex Flex - Manages payroll, HR, and benefits with advanced analytics and compliance tools for various business sizes.
- 9#9: ADP RUN - Handles payroll and HR tasks with robust reporting and integration for small businesses.
- 10#10: BambooHR Payroll - Combines payroll with comprehensive HR tools for automated processing and employee self-service.
These tools were selected based on a focus on essential features—including automated tax filing, direct deposit, and user-friendliness—paired with strong quality and value, ensuring they suit small to mid-sized businesses effectively.
Comparison Table
Selecting payroll software with a free trial requires weighing features, ease of use, and pricing; this comparison table surveys tools like Gusto, Rippling, QuickBooks Payroll, OnPay, and Patriot Software to help readers identify the best fit for their business's unique needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gusto Streamlines payroll, benefits, and HR for small businesses with automated tax filing and compliance. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Rippling Integrates payroll with HR, IT, and finance in one platform for seamless employee management. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | QuickBooks Payroll Provides payroll processing integrated with accounting software for easy direct deposit and tax calculations. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | OnPay Offers unlimited payroll runs, automated taxes, and benefits administration for growing businesses. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | Patriot Software Delivers full-service payroll with direct deposit, tax filing, and 24/7 support for small to mid-sized firms. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 6 | Wave Payroll Enables simple payroll for contractors and employees with automatic tax calculations at no monthly fee in select regions. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 7 | Square Payroll Simplifies payroll for small businesses using Square, including next-day direct deposit and tax services. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 8 | Paychex Flex Manages payroll, HR, and benefits with advanced analytics and compliance tools for various business sizes. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 9 | ADP RUN Handles payroll and HR tasks with robust reporting and integration for small businesses. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | BambooHR Payroll Combines payroll with comprehensive HR tools for automated processing and employee self-service. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
Streamlines payroll, benefits, and HR for small businesses with automated tax filing and compliance.
Integrates payroll with HR, IT, and finance in one platform for seamless employee management.
Provides payroll processing integrated with accounting software for easy direct deposit and tax calculations.
Offers unlimited payroll runs, automated taxes, and benefits administration for growing businesses.
Delivers full-service payroll with direct deposit, tax filing, and 24/7 support for small to mid-sized firms.
Enables simple payroll for contractors and employees with automatic tax calculations at no monthly fee in select regions.
Simplifies payroll for small businesses using Square, including next-day direct deposit and tax services.
Manages payroll, HR, and benefits with advanced analytics and compliance tools for various business sizes.
Handles payroll and HR tasks with robust reporting and integration for small businesses.
Combines payroll with comprehensive HR tools for automated processing and employee self-service.
Gusto
enterpriseStreamlines payroll, benefits, and HR for small businesses with automated tax filing and compliance.
Full-service payroll that automatically handles federal, state, and local tax calculations, filings, and payments
Gusto is a comprehensive cloud-based payroll and HR platform designed for small to medium-sized businesses, automating payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and payments. It also offers employee benefits administration, time tracking, and compliance tools to streamline HR tasks. With a user-friendly interface and a free trial period, it allows businesses to test full functionality without upfront commitment.
Pros
- Automated payroll, tax filing, and compliance for hassle-free operations
- Intuitive interface with quick setup during free trial
- Robust integrations with accounting and benefits providers
Cons
- Pricing scales up significantly for larger teams
- Limited support for international payroll
- Some advanced HR features require higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized U.S. businesses seeking an all-in-one payroll and HR solution with a seamless free trial experience.
Pricing
Free trial available; plans start at $40 base + $6/employee/month (Simple), up to $80 + $12/employee/month (Plus), with Premium custom pricing.
Rippling
enterpriseIntegrates payroll with HR, IT, and finance in one platform for seamless employee management.
Seamless automation of the entire employee lifecycle, syncing HR data instantly with payroll, IT provisioning, and benefits.
Rippling is a comprehensive all-in-one HR, payroll, and IT platform that automates employee onboarding, payroll processing, benefits administration, and device management in a single system. It supports payroll in all 50 U.S. states and over 100 countries, with seamless integrations for compliance and tax filings. The free trial allows businesses to fully test its capabilities without upfront costs, making it ideal for evaluating unified workforce management.
Pros
- Unified platform eliminates silos between HR, payroll, IT, and finance
- Lightning-fast payroll runs and automated compliance updates
- Robust global payroll support for international teams
Cons
- Higher pricing after trial may not suit very small businesses
- Advanced features require some learning for non-experts
- Limited free trial duration (typically 14 days)
Best For
Growing mid-sized businesses seeking an integrated HR-payroll-IT solution with global scalability.
Pricing
Free trial (14 days); core plans start at $8/user/month, payroll add-on ~$5-8/user/month depending on location.
QuickBooks Payroll
enterpriseProvides payroll processing integrated with accounting software for easy direct deposit and tax calculations.
Deep integration with QuickBooks Online for automatic syncing of payroll data to accounting books
QuickBooks Payroll, from Intuit, is a robust payroll management solution that automates employee payments, tax calculations, filings, and compliance for small to medium-sized businesses. It integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks Online accounting software, allowing for unified financial tracking and payroll processing. The free trial provides full access to core features for up to 30 days, enabling users to test direct deposits, W-2/1099 forms, and employee self-service portals without upfront costs.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting for streamlined operations
- Automated federal and state tax filings and payments
- Next-day direct deposit and mobile app for employee access
Cons
- Post-trial pricing can be expensive for larger teams
- Steeper learning curve for non-QuickBooks users
- Some advanced HR features require premium plans
Best For
Small businesses already using QuickBooks Online that want to evaluate integrated payroll during a full-featured free trial.
Pricing
30-day free trial with full features; post-trial starts at $45/month + $6/active employee (Core), up to $125/month + $11/employee (Elite).
OnPay
enterpriseOffers unlimited payroll runs, automated taxes, and benefits administration for growing businesses.
100% accuracy guarantee on payroll and tax filings, with OnPay covering any penalties if they make an error.
OnPay is a full-service payroll software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, handling payroll processing, automated tax calculations and filings, W-2/1099 forms, and integrated HR tools like onboarding and benefits management. It supports unlimited payroll runs each month at no additional cost and integrates seamlessly with accounting platforms such as QuickBooks and Xero. The platform offers a 30-day free trial, allowing businesses to test its capabilities without upfront commitment.
Pros
- Unlimited monthly payroll runs included
- Excellent customer support with live experts
- Seamless integrations with accounting and HR tools
Cons
- Pricing increases with number of employees
- Limited advanced analytics for larger enterprises
- No native mobile app for on-the-go access
Best For
Small businesses with up to 50 employees needing reliable, full-service payroll and basic HR without complex setups.
Pricing
$40 base fee per month + $6 per active employee; 30-day free trial available.
Patriot Software
enterpriseDelivers full-service payroll with direct deposit, tax filing, and 24/7 support for small to mid-sized firms.
100% tax filing accuracy guarantee on Full Service Payroll, with Patriot handling all federal, state, and local filings
Patriot Software provides affordable online payroll solutions for small businesses, offering Basic Payroll for DIY processing and Full Service Payroll where the company handles tax calculations, filing, and payments. Key features include direct deposit, unlimited payroll runs, multi-state support, and detailed reporting. A 30-day free trial with no setup fees allows users to test the platform risk-free before committing.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with low per-employee fees
- Strong customer support via phone and chat
- Simple setup and intuitive interface for beginners
Cons
- Limited integrations with accounting software
- Basic reporting lacks advanced customization
- Full Service option increases costs significantly
Best For
Small businesses with under 50 employees seeking straightforward, reliable payroll without complex HR needs.
Pricing
Basic: $17/month base + $4/employee; Full Service: $37/month base + $4/employee; 30-day free trial, no contracts.
Wave Payroll
enterpriseEnables simple payroll for contractors and employees with automatic tax calculations at no monthly fee in select regions.
Unlimited free payroll runs and 1099 filings for contractors
Wave Payroll is an intuitive payroll solution integrated with Wave's free accounting and invoicing platform, designed for small businesses and freelancers. It offers unlimited free payments to 1099 contractors, including tax form generation, while providing pay-as-you-go W2 employee payroll in select U.S. states with automated tax calculations and filings. A 30-day free trial covers employee payroll features, making it accessible for testing without upfront costs.
Pros
- Unlimited free 1099 contractor payments forever
- Seamless integration with Wave's free accounting tools
- Simple, intuitive interface with quick setup
Cons
- Limited availability in only select U.S. states
- Employee payroll fees apply after 30-day free trial ($20 base + $6/employee/month)
- Support limited to email and chat, no phone option
Best For
Small businesses and solopreneurs primarily paying contractors or operating in supported states who need straightforward, no-commitment payroll integrated with free accounting.
Pricing
Free forever for contractors; Employees: 30-day free trial, then $20/month base + $6/active employee/month in select states.
Square Payroll
enterpriseSimplifies payroll for small businesses using Square, including next-day direct deposit and tax services.
Native integration with Square POS that automatically imports hours and tips for payroll
Square Payroll is a user-friendly payroll solution tailored for small businesses, especially those using Square's POS system, offering automated payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits. It supports full-service and self-service options, with features like 1099 filings and benefits integration. The service includes a 30-day free trial, making it accessible for businesses to test without upfront costs.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Square POS for automatic sales-to-payroll syncing
- Automatic tax calculations, filings, and payments
- Intuitive interface with quick setup during free trial
Cons
- Limited availability in select states only
- Post-trial pricing can add up for larger teams ($5–$6 per employee/month)
- Lacks advanced HR tools compared to full-suite competitors
Best For
Small retail, restaurant, or service businesses already using Square POS that need simple, integrated payroll during their free trial evaluation.
Pricing
30-day free trial; then Full Service $35/month + $6/active employee (select states) or Self Service $6/employee/month.
Paychex Flex
enterpriseManages payroll, HR, and benefits with advanced analytics and compliance tools for various business sizes.
Dedicated payroll specialists who handle compliance, filings, and custom configurations
Paychex Flex is a comprehensive cloud-based payroll and HR management platform that automates payroll processing, tax compliance, benefits administration, and employee self-service. It supports multi-state payroll, time tracking, and integrations with accounting software for businesses of varying sizes. While it offers a free demo or limited trial through consultation, it's positioned more as a full-service solution rather than a simple self-serve free trial tool. Ranked #8 among free trial payroll software, it prioritizes reliability and expert support over quick-start accessibility.
Pros
- Superior compliance and automated tax filing across multiple states
- Dedicated expert support from certified payroll professionals
- Scalable integrations with HR, benefits, and accounting tools
Cons
- Higher cost structure not ideal for very small businesses
- Steeper learning curve and complex initial setup
- Free trial is demo-focused rather than fully hands-on self-serve
Best For
Mid-sized businesses seeking robust, compliant payroll with hands-off expert management during growth phases.
Pricing
Free demo/trial available; paid plans start at ~$59/month base fee + $5-$10 per employee per pay period.
ADP RUN
enterpriseHandles payroll and HR tasks with robust reporting and integration for small businesses.
Automated new hire reporting and guaranteed tax compliance accuracy
ADP RUN is a cloud-based payroll software from ADP tailored for small to mid-sized businesses, offering automated payroll processing, tax compliance, and integrated HR tools like onboarding and benefits management. It streamlines payroll runs, handles multi-state filings, and provides real-time reporting. A free trial is available, allowing users to test core features before committing to a subscription.
Pros
- Robust automated tax filing and compliance across multiple states
- Seamless integration with HR and benefits administration
- Reliable customer support from ADP's established expertise
Cons
- Subscription pricing can add up with per-employee fees
- Steeper learning curve for non-HR users during free trial setup
- Free trial duration is short (typically 1 week) with limited access to premium features
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses needing scalable payroll with strong compliance and HR integration during their free trial evaluation.
Pricing
Plans start at $59/month + $4/employee (Essential), up to $148/month + $14/employee (Complete); 1-week free trial available.
BambooHR Payroll
enterpriseCombines payroll with comprehensive HR tools for automated processing and employee self-service.
Automatic syncing of employee data from BambooHR HRIS to eliminate manual entry and reduce errors
BambooHR Payroll is an integrated payroll solution embedded within the BambooHR HR platform, streamlining payroll processing for small to medium-sized businesses in the US and Canada. It automates wage calculations, tax withholdings, direct deposits, and compliance filings, with seamless syncing of employee data from HR records. The software offers a free trial, enabling users to evaluate its full functionality without upfront commitment.
Pros
- Seamless integration with BambooHR HRIS for automated data syncing
- User-friendly interface with intuitive payroll runs and reporting
- Robust compliance tools for multi-state US and Canadian payroll
Cons
- Higher pricing suited better for growing teams than very small businesses
- Geographically limited to US and Canada
- Full benefits require pairing with BambooHR's core HR platform
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking an all-in-one HR and payroll solution with strong integration and compliance features.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing as an add-on to BambooHR plans, typically $5.25+ per active employee per month plus base fees; free trial available.
Conclusion
The reviewed free trial payroll tools cater to varied business needs, with Gusto emerging as the top choice, excelling in streamlined payroll, benefits, and automatic compliance. Rippling and QuickBooks Payroll stand out as strong alternatives, offering seamless integration with HR/IT/finance and accounting software respectively, ensuring no matter the focus, there’s a solution to fit.
Don’t miss out on the benefits of Gusto’s top-ranked platform—start your free trial today to simplify payroll and HR, or explore Rippling or QuickBooks if their unique features align more closely with your business needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison