Quick Overview
- 1#1: Gusto - All-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR platform designed for small to medium-sized businesses with automated tax filing and compliance.
- 2#2: ADP - Comprehensive payroll and HR management solution offering processing, compliance, and analytics for businesses of all sizes.
- 3#3: Paychex - Flexible payroll services with HR tools, benefits administration, and retirement planning for SMBs and enterprises.
- 4#4: Rippling - Unified workforce management platform that automates payroll, HR, IT, and finance across global teams.
- 5#5: QuickBooks Payroll - Seamlessly integrated payroll solution for QuickBooks users with direct deposit, tax calculations, and W-2 filing.
- 6#6: OnPay - Full-service payroll software for small businesses featuring unlimited payroll runs and expert support.
- 7#7: BambooHR - User-friendly HR platform with add-on payroll for employee management, time tracking, and performance tools.
- 8#8: Paycom - Integrated HCM suite providing self-service payroll, talent acquisition, and time management for enterprises.
- 9#9: Workday - Cloud-based enterprise platform for finance and HR including advanced payroll processing and analytics.
- 10#10: Xero - Cloud accounting software with built-in payroll for invoicing, expenses, and employee payments.
We ranked these tools based on robust features (including tax automation and global support), user-friendliness, and overall value, ensuring they deliver reliable performance across varied business scales.
Comparison Table
Selecting the right payroll software is crucial for streamlining financial management, and this comparison table breaks down top tools including Gusto, ADP, Paychex, Rippling, and QuickBooks Payroll. It outlines key features, pricing models, and usability to help businesses identify the solution that aligns with their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gusto All-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR platform designed for small to medium-sized businesses with automated tax filing and compliance. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | ADP Comprehensive payroll and HR management solution offering processing, compliance, and analytics for businesses of all sizes. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 3 | Paychex Flexible payroll services with HR tools, benefits administration, and retirement planning for SMBs and enterprises. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Rippling Unified workforce management platform that automates payroll, HR, IT, and finance across global teams. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | QuickBooks Payroll Seamlessly integrated payroll solution for QuickBooks users with direct deposit, tax calculations, and W-2 filing. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | OnPay Full-service payroll software for small businesses featuring unlimited payroll runs and expert support. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 7 | BambooHR User-friendly HR platform with add-on payroll for employee management, time tracking, and performance tools. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Paycom Integrated HCM suite providing self-service payroll, talent acquisition, and time management for enterprises. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 9 | Workday Cloud-based enterprise platform for finance and HR including advanced payroll processing and analytics. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Xero Cloud accounting software with built-in payroll for invoicing, expenses, and employee payments. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
All-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR platform designed for small to medium-sized businesses with automated tax filing and compliance.
Comprehensive payroll and HR management solution offering processing, compliance, and analytics for businesses of all sizes.
Flexible payroll services with HR tools, benefits administration, and retirement planning for SMBs and enterprises.
Unified workforce management platform that automates payroll, HR, IT, and finance across global teams.
Seamlessly integrated payroll solution for QuickBooks users with direct deposit, tax calculations, and W-2 filing.
Full-service payroll software for small businesses featuring unlimited payroll runs and expert support.
User-friendly HR platform with add-on payroll for employee management, time tracking, and performance tools.
Integrated HCM suite providing self-service payroll, talent acquisition, and time management for enterprises.
Cloud-based enterprise platform for finance and HR including advanced payroll processing and analytics.
Cloud accounting software with built-in payroll for invoicing, expenses, and employee payments.
Gusto
specializedAll-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR platform designed for small to medium-sized businesses with automated tax filing and compliance.
Hands-off compliance with automatic tax calculations, filings, and payments across all 50 states plus federal requirements
Gusto is an all-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR platform tailored for small to medium-sized U.S. businesses, automating payroll runs, tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits. It offers employee self-service portals, time tracking, health insurance administration, and compliance tools to streamline HR processes. With strong integrations to accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, Gusto reduces administrative burdens and ensures accuracy in payroll management.
Pros
- Automated full-service payroll with multi-state tax filing and payments
- Intuitive interface and mobile app for admins and employees
- Seamless integrations with 100+ apps including accounting and benefits providers
Cons
- Pricing scales up quickly for larger teams (per-employee fees)
- Limited international payroll support (U.S.-focused)
- Advanced HR analytics require premium custom plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized U.S. businesses seeking a user-friendly, compliant payroll and HR solution without in-house expertise.
Pricing
Plans start at $40/month base + $6/employee for Simple payroll; Plus at $80 + $12/employee adds HR tools; Premium is custom-priced.
ADP
enterpriseComprehensive payroll and HR management solution offering processing, compliance, and analytics for businesses of all sizes.
ADP DataCloud, providing AI-powered workforce analytics and predictive insights for strategic HR decisions
ADP is a comprehensive cloud-based payroll and HR management platform designed for businesses of all sizes, handling payroll processing, tax compliance, direct deposits, and W-2/1099 filings seamlessly. It integrates time tracking, benefits administration, talent management, and analytics to streamline HR operations. With robust scalability and global capabilities, ADP ensures compliance across multiple jurisdictions while offering employee self-service portals for payslips and scheduling.
Pros
- Extensive feature set with HR, benefits, and compliance integration
- Scalable for small to enterprise-level businesses
- Reliable automated tax filing and regulatory updates
Cons
- Custom pricing lacks transparency and can be expensive for small teams
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and customization
- Occasional reports of customer support delays during peak seasons
Best For
Mid-sized to large businesses needing integrated payroll, HR, and compliance solutions with scalability.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically starts at $60-$130 base fee per month plus $10-$20 per employee, varying by features and business size.
Paychex
enterpriseFlexible payroll services with HR tools, benefits administration, and retirement planning for SMBs and enterprises.
Full-service payroll with in-house experts managing multi-state taxes and filings
Paychex is a comprehensive payroll and HR management software suite that automates payroll processing, tax filing, and compliance for small to mid-sized businesses. It integrates time and attendance tracking, benefits administration, employee self-service portals, and robust reporting tools to streamline HR operations. Paychex stands out for its full-service options, where experts handle complex compliance tasks, making it reliable for growing companies.
Pros
- Extensive payroll and HR integrations with automatic tax compliance
- Dedicated customer support and full-service payroll options
- Scalable for small to mid-sized businesses with strong reporting
Cons
- Pricing can be higher for very small teams
- User interface feels dated in some areas
- Initial setup requires significant time and data entry
Best For
Mid-sized businesses seeking an all-in-one payroll and HR solution with expert compliance support.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$59/month base fee plus $5/employee; higher tiers for advanced HR features.
Rippling
enterpriseUnified workforce management platform that automates payroll, HR, IT, and finance across global teams.
Instant global employee provisioning that auto-syncs payroll, benefits, IT access, and apps upon hiring
Rippling is a unified workforce management platform that integrates HR, IT, payroll, and benefits into a single system, automating the entire employee lifecycle from hire to retire. It handles multi-state and global payroll processing, tax compliance, direct deposits, and off-cycle payments with high accuracy. Ideal for scaling businesses, Rippling syncs employee data across departments to reduce manual work and errors.
Pros
- All-in-one HR, payroll, IT, and benefits platform reduces silos
- Supports global payroll in 100+ countries with automated compliance
- Powerful automation for onboarding, offboarding, and workflows
Cons
- Premium pricing can be costly for small teams
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
- Some integrations require additional setup time
Best For
Mid-sized companies seeking an integrated platform for HR, payroll, and IT to scale efficiently.
Pricing
Starts at $8/active employee/month for core HR; payroll add-on ~$5-11/user/month; custom enterprise pricing.
QuickBooks Payroll
specializedSeamlessly integrated payroll solution for QuickBooks users with direct deposit, tax calculations, and W-2 filing.
Automatic federal, state, and local tax filing and payments with accuracy guarantees
QuickBooks Payroll is an integrated payroll solution from Intuit that works seamlessly with QuickBooks Online to automate payroll processing, tax calculations, direct deposits, and filings. It handles federal, state, and local taxes automatically, generates W-2s and 1099s, and includes employee self-service for payslips and time-off requests. Designed for small to medium businesses, it ensures compliance while simplifying payroll management within the familiar QuickBooks ecosystem.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks Online for unified accounting and payroll
- Automatic tax filing and payments in all 50 states
- Next-day direct deposit and robust employee self-service portal
Cons
- Relatively high cost, especially for small teams
- Advanced features locked behind premium plans
- Customer support can be slow outside business hours
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses already using QuickBooks Online who want integrated payroll without switching platforms.
Pricing
Core: $50 + $6/employee/month; Premium: $80 + $9/employee; Elite: $125 + $11/employee (requires QuickBooks Online subscription; billed annually for discounts).
OnPay
specializedFull-service payroll software for small businesses featuring unlimited payroll runs and expert support.
Unlimited access to payroll experts for personalized support included in every plan
OnPay is a user-friendly payroll software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering full-service payroll processing including unlimited pay runs, automated tax calculations, and filings across all 50 states. It integrates seamlessly with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero, and includes benefits administration, time tracking, and basic HR features. The platform emphasizes simplicity and reliability, making it accessible for non-experts while handling complex multi-state payroll needs.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and unlimited payroll runs
- Outstanding US-based customer support via phone, chat, and email
- Seamless integrations with major accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise solutions
- Time tracking and some HR tools require add-ons or third-party integrations
- Less suitable for very large businesses with complex international needs
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking affordable, straightforward payroll with reliable support and easy integrations.
Pricing
$40 base fee per month + $6 per active employee, with a free trial and no long-term contracts.
BambooHR
specializedUser-friendly HR platform with add-on payroll for employee management, time tracking, and performance tools.
One-click payroll runs directly from up-to-date HR employee data
BambooHR is an all-in-one HR platform with integrated payroll functionality, designed to streamline employee management, time tracking, and payroll processing for small to mid-sized businesses. It automates payroll calculations, tax withholdings, and direct deposits while syncing seamlessly with HR data like employee profiles and benefits. The software emphasizes user-friendliness and compliance, making it suitable for teams without dedicated HR staff.
Pros
- Seamless integration with HR tools for accurate data syncing
- Intuitive, mobile-friendly interface that's easy for non-experts
- Automated tax filing and compliance features for US payroll
Cons
- Primarily US-focused with limited international support
- Pricing is quote-based and can become expensive for larger teams
- Reporting capabilities lack depth compared to dedicated payroll giants
Best For
Small to medium-sized US-based businesses wanting integrated HR and payroll without complex setups.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $6-10 per employee/month for core HR plus $4-6 per employee/month for payroll (US only).
Paycom
enterpriseIntegrated HCM suite providing self-service payroll, talent acquisition, and time management for enterprises.
Beti employee self-service portal that lets workers independently manage payroll, time-off, benefits, and personal data
Paycom is a comprehensive cloud-based HR and payroll software platform that provides end-to-end solutions for payroll processing, time and labor management, benefits administration, talent acquisition, and employee performance tracking. It integrates all HR functions into a single system, reducing the need for multiple vendors and streamlining operations for businesses. The platform's employee-centric design empowers workers through self-service tools, minimizing HR workload and errors.
Pros
- All-in-one HR, payroll, and talent management suite
- Powerful Beti self-service portal for employees
- Robust compliance tools and reporting capabilities
Cons
- Higher cost structure unsuitable for very small businesses
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Implementation process can be lengthy
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises needing an integrated HR-payroll system with strong employee self-service.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $100-$200 per employee per month based on company size and modules selected.
Workday
enterpriseCloud-based enterprise platform for finance and HR including advanced payroll processing and analytics.
Unified single data source across HR, payroll, and finance for real-time accuracy and visibility
Workday is a comprehensive cloud-based enterprise platform specializing in human capital management (HCM), finance, and payroll solutions. Its payroll module automates processing, compliance, tax withholding, and payments across multiple countries, integrating seamlessly with HR and financial data. Designed for large organizations, it offers scalability, advanced analytics, and real-time reporting to streamline complex payroll operations.
Pros
- Robust global payroll support with multi-country compliance
- Seamless integration with HR, finance, and analytics modules
- Advanced AI-driven insights and configurable workflows
Cons
- High implementation costs and lengthy setup time
- Steep learning curve for non-enterprise users
- Pricing not transparent and expensive for smaller businesses
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, multinational payroll needs that require deep integration with HR and finance systems.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $100+ per employee/month with minimums in the six figures annually; quote-based.
Xero
specializedCloud accounting software with built-in payroll for invoicing, expenses, and employee payments.
Direct payroll journal entries into accounting books with no manual reconciliation required
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software with integrated payroll capabilities, enabling businesses to process employee payments, calculate taxes, generate payslips, and file compliance reports effortlessly. It supports unlimited payroll runs and syncs payroll data directly into accounting ledgers for real-time financial accuracy. Primarily available in select countries like the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand, it caters to small and medium-sized businesses with its scalable features.
Pros
- Seamless integration between payroll and accounting
- Automatic tax calculations and compliance filings
- Unlimited payroll runs and mobile accessibility
Cons
- Payroll features limited to specific countries
- Additional subscription cost on top of accounting plans
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
Best For
Small to medium businesses already using Xero for accounting who need integrated payroll without separate systems.
Pricing
Payroll starts at $40/month base + $6 per active employee (US pricing); bundled with accounting plans from $20/month.
Conclusion
The top payroll software solutions reviewed cater to diverse business needs, with Gusto leading as the premier choice for its robust automation, all-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR features, streamlining operations for small to medium-sized businesses. ADP and Paychex stand out as strong alternatives, offering comprehensive analytics and flexible HR tools respectively, ensuring even the most specific requirements are met. With such exceptional options, finding the right fit for efficient, compliant payroll management is straightforward.
Ready to simplify your payroll? Begin with Gusto to experience its intuitive platform, expert support, and worry-free automated processes.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
