Quick Overview
- 1#1: Gusto - Full-service payroll, HR, and benefits platform designed for small businesses with automated tax filing and compliance.
- 2#2: OnPay - Affordable, full-featured payroll software with unlimited runs, expert support, and seamless integrations for small to medium businesses.
- 3#3: Patriot Software - Simple and cost-effective payroll solution offering direct deposit, tax filing, and HR tools for small businesses.
- 4#4: QuickBooks Payroll - Integrated payroll service with QuickBooks accounting, providing automated payroll, tax calculations, and forms for small businesses.
- 5#5: Wave Payroll - Low-cost payroll processing with automatic tax calculations and filings, ideal for freelancers and very small teams.
- 6#6: Square Payroll - Easy payroll integrated with Square's POS system, handling payments, taxes, and 1099s for small retail and service businesses.
- 7#7: ADP RUN - Scalable payroll software for small businesses with automated taxes, compliance, and HR features at competitive pricing.
- 8#8: SurePayroll - Inexpensive online payroll service with direct deposit, tax filing, and unlimited payroll runs for small employers.
- 9#9: Paychex Flex - Flexible payroll platform with essential features like time tracking and benefits administration for growing small businesses.
- 10#10: Payroll4Free - Free payroll software for businesses with up to 25 U.S.-based employees, including W-2s and direct deposit.
Ranked based on core functionality, user-friendly design, scalability, and overall cost-effectiveness, prioritizing tools that deliver robust features without compromising on quality.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores popular inexpensive payroll software tools including Gusto, OnPay, Patriot Software, QuickBooks Payroll, and Wave Payroll, guiding readers to understand key features, costs, and usability for their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gusto Full-service payroll, HR, and benefits platform designed for small businesses with automated tax filing and compliance. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 2 | OnPay Affordable, full-featured payroll software with unlimited runs, expert support, and seamless integrations for small to medium businesses. | enterprise | 9.3/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 3 | Patriot Software Simple and cost-effective payroll solution offering direct deposit, tax filing, and HR tools for small businesses. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 4 | QuickBooks Payroll Integrated payroll service with QuickBooks accounting, providing automated payroll, tax calculations, and forms for small businesses. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 5 | Wave Payroll Low-cost payroll processing with automatic tax calculations and filings, ideal for freelancers and very small teams. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 6 | Square Payroll Easy payroll integrated with Square's POS system, handling payments, taxes, and 1099s for small retail and service businesses. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 7 | ADP RUN Scalable payroll software for small businesses with automated taxes, compliance, and HR features at competitive pricing. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 8 | SurePayroll Inexpensive online payroll service with direct deposit, tax filing, and unlimited payroll runs for small employers. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 9 | Paychex Flex Flexible payroll platform with essential features like time tracking and benefits administration for growing small businesses. | enterprise | 7.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 6.0/10 |
| 10 | Payroll4Free Free payroll software for businesses with up to 25 U.S.-based employees, including W-2s and direct deposit. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
Full-service payroll, HR, and benefits platform designed for small businesses with automated tax filing and compliance.
Affordable, full-featured payroll software with unlimited runs, expert support, and seamless integrations for small to medium businesses.
Simple and cost-effective payroll solution offering direct deposit, tax filing, and HR tools for small businesses.
Integrated payroll service with QuickBooks accounting, providing automated payroll, tax calculations, and forms for small businesses.
Low-cost payroll processing with automatic tax calculations and filings, ideal for freelancers and very small teams.
Easy payroll integrated with Square's POS system, handling payments, taxes, and 1099s for small retail and service businesses.
Scalable payroll software for small businesses with automated taxes, compliance, and HR features at competitive pricing.
Inexpensive online payroll service with direct deposit, tax filing, and unlimited payroll runs for small employers.
Flexible payroll platform with essential features like time tracking and benefits administration for growing small businesses.
Free payroll software for businesses with up to 25 U.S.-based employees, including W-2s and direct deposit.
Gusto
enterpriseFull-service payroll, HR, and benefits platform designed for small businesses with automated tax filing and compliance.
Full-service automated payroll with guaranteed tax filing accuracy and direct agency submissions
Gusto is an all-in-one payroll and HR platform tailored for small businesses, automating payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits. It also handles employee benefits administration, time tracking, and compliance requirements across multiple states. With seamless integrations to accounting tools like QuickBooks, Gusto simplifies financial management and reduces administrative burdens for growing teams.
Pros
- Affordable per-employee pricing that scales well for small teams
- Automated tax filing and compliance for multi-state payroll
- Intuitive interface with excellent onboarding and customer support
Cons
- Costs add up quickly for businesses with many employees
- Advanced HR features require higher-tier plans
- Limited support for international payroll outside the US
Best For
Small businesses and startups needing an easy, compliant payroll solution without dedicated HR staff.
Pricing
Simple plan starts at $40/month + $6/employee/month; Plus at $80 + $12/employee; Premium custom quoted.
OnPay
enterpriseAffordable, full-featured payroll software with unlimited runs, expert support, and seamless integrations for small to medium businesses.
100% accuracy guarantee covering tax penalties if OnPay makes an error
OnPay is an affordable, full-service payroll software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, handling payroll processing, federal and state tax filings, and compliance automatically. It includes built-in HR tools, benefits administration, time tracking, and integrations with popular accounting software like QuickBooks. With unlimited payroll runs and expert support, OnPay ensures accuracy through its CPA-reviewed calculations and guarantees to cover any tax penalties due to their errors.
Pros
- Low flat-rate pricing with no contracts or hidden fees
- Automatic multi-state tax filing and compliance guarantees
- Unlimited payroll runs and 24/7 chat support
Cons
- Per-employee fee increases costs for larger teams
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting options
- No dedicated mobile app for employees
Best For
Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees needing reliable, inexpensive payroll with strong tax compliance and support.
Pricing
$40 base fee + $6 per employee/month (billed monthly, no long-term contracts)
Patriot Software
enterpriseSimple and cost-effective payroll solution offering direct deposit, tax filing, and HR tools for small businesses.
Full-service tax filing with 100% accuracy guarantee and direct deposit of payments
Patriot Software provides affordable payroll solutions tailored for small businesses, offering both Basic Online Payroll for DIY users and Full Service Payroll where the company handles tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits. It supports unlimited payroll runs, multi-state payroll, and essential features like W-2/1099 creation and year-end forms. Ideal for cost-conscious owners seeking reliable processing without advanced HR tools.
Pros
- Very low pricing with no hidden fees
- Full-service option includes guaranteed accurate tax filing
- Unlimited payroll runs and strong multi-state support
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- No native time tracking or scheduling
- Fewer integrations than competitors
Best For
Small businesses with 1-50 employees needing simple, compliant payroll on a tight budget.
Pricing
Basic Online: $17 base + $4/employee/month (user handles taxes); Full Service: $37 base + $4/employee/month (taxes handled).
QuickBooks Payroll
enterpriseIntegrated payroll service with QuickBooks accounting, providing automated payroll, tax calculations, and forms for small businesses.
Native, one-click integration with QuickBooks for unified accounting and payroll
QuickBooks Payroll is an integrated payroll solution from Intuit, designed primarily for small to medium-sized businesses already using QuickBooks accounting software. It automates payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits, while providing employee self-service portals for payslips and PTO requests. The service ensures compliance with federal, state, and local taxes, making it a reliable choice for streamlined payroll management.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks Online and Desktop
- Automated tax filing and payments with next-day direct deposit
- Robust customer support including live experts
Cons
- Higher base pricing than many standalone inexpensive payroll tools
- Requires a QuickBooks subscription for full value
- Limited customization in lower-tier plans
Best For
Small businesses already using QuickBooks accounting who need an affordable integrated payroll add-on.
Pricing
Core: $45/mo + $6/employee; Premium: $80/mo + $9/employee; Elite: $125/mo + $11/employee (annual billing, plus separate QuickBooks Online fee starting at $30/mo).
Wave Payroll
enterpriseLow-cost payroll processing with automatic tax calculations and filings, ideal for freelancers and very small teams.
Free, unlimited integration with Wave's core accounting software for end-to-end financial management
Wave Payroll is an affordable payroll solution from Wave Apps, designed for small businesses to handle employee payments, tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits seamlessly. It integrates directly with Wave's free accounting and invoicing tools, making it ideal for users already in the Wave ecosystem. Available only in the US and Canada, it supports W-2s, 1099s, and unlimited payroll runs without complex setups.
Pros
- Extremely low base pricing with no contracts
- Seamless integration with free Wave accounting
- Simple, intuitive interface for quick setup
Cons
- Limited to US and Canada markets only
- Per-employee fees can add up for larger teams
- Lacks advanced features like benefits management or multi-state complexity
Best For
Small businesses and freelancers in the US or Canada needing basic, budget-friendly payroll without advanced HR tools.
Pricing
US: $20/month base + $6/active employee/month; Canada: $25/month + $3/active employee/month (self-service plans).
Square Payroll
enterpriseEasy payroll integrated with Square's POS system, handling payments, taxes, and 1099s for small retail and service businesses.
Automatic payroll syncing with Square Shifts for effortless time-to-payroll conversion
Square Payroll is a user-friendly payroll solution tailored for small businesses, particularly those already using Square's POS system. It handles employee payments, tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits for W-2 employees and 1099 contractors. The service offers tiered plans with seamless integration for time tracking via Square Shifts, making it ideal for retail and service-oriented operations.
Pros
- Highly affordable per-employee pricing
- Intuitive interface with quick setup
- Seamless integration with Square POS and Shifts
Cons
- Limited advanced HR tools and reporting
- Full tax filing requires higher-tier plan
- Less suitable for businesses not using Square ecosystem
Best For
Small retail or service businesses with fewer than 50 employees that already use Square POS for payments and scheduling.
Pricing
Core ($35 + $6/employee/mo), Plus ($45 + $6/employee/mo), Full Service ($60 + $6/employee/mo); unlimited contractors included.
ADP RUN
enterpriseScalable payroll software for small businesses with automated taxes, compliance, and HR features at competitive pricing.
Expert-backed payroll compliance guarantee, ensuring ADP handles corrections if taxes are filed incorrectly
ADP RUN is a cloud-based payroll solution from ADP designed for small to mid-sized businesses, automating payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and compliance. It includes HR tools like employee self-service, benefits administration, and time tracking. Scalable across three tiers, it supports businesses handling their own payroll without extensive expertise.
Pros
- Strong compliance tools with automated tax filing and accuracy guarantees
- Comprehensive HR integrations including benefits and onboarding
- Reliable customer support with dedicated specialists
Cons
- Pricing includes per-employee fees that scale costs quickly
- Not the most affordable option for very small teams or basic needs
- Setup and advanced features have a moderate learning curve
Best For
Small businesses with 10-100 employees needing robust payroll compliance and HR scalability on a budget-conscious but not ultra-cheap plan.
Pricing
Essential ($59/mo + $4/employee), Enhanced ($99/mo + $7/employee), Complete ($148/mo + $11/employee); minimums apply.
SurePayroll
enterpriseInexpensive online payroll service with direct deposit, tax filing, and unlimited payroll runs for small employers.
Next-day direct deposit at no extra cost
SurePayroll is a cloud-based payroll solution designed for small businesses, providing automated payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, direct deposits, and employee self-service portals. It offers unlimited payroll runs and integrates with accounting software like QuickBooks for streamlined operations. As an affordable option from Paychex, it focuses on simplicity and reliability for basic payroll needs without complex HR features.
Pros
- Highly affordable pay-as-you-go pricing
- Intuitive interface with quick setup
- Automatic tax filing and next-day direct deposit
Cons
- Limited built-in HR and benefits tools
- Extra fees for add-ons like time tracking
- Reporting capabilities are basic
Best For
Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees needing straightforward, low-cost payroll processing.
Pricing
Starts at $19.99/month + $4.99 per employee per pay period; no contracts, pay-as-you-go.
Paychex Flex
enterpriseFlexible payroll platform with essential features like time tracking and benefits administration for growing small businesses.
Guaranteed accuracy for tax filing and payments with expert support
Paychex Flex is a robust cloud-based payroll and HCM platform that handles payroll processing, tax filing, compliance, HR management, benefits administration, and time tracking for businesses of all sizes. It offers scalable plans from basic payroll to full-suite solutions with mobile accessibility and reporting tools. While feature-rich, its pricing positions it as a mid-tier option rather than truly inexpensive for very small businesses.
Pros
- Comprehensive payroll and HR integration with automated tax compliance
- Dedicated support from payroll specialists
- Scalable for growing businesses with strong reporting tools
Cons
- Higher base pricing not ideal for tiny budgets
- Custom quotes can obscure total costs
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses seeking reliable payroll with HR tools and compliance support on a moderate budget.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$59/month base + $5/employee for payroll; add-ons increase costs significantly.
Payroll4Free
enterpriseFree payroll software for businesses with up to 25 U.S.-based employees, including W-2s and direct deposit.
100% free unlimited payroll processing and tax calculations for eligible small teams
Payroll4Free is a web-based payroll software that offers completely free payroll processing for small businesses with up to 25 employees per company. It handles essential tasks like wage calculations, tax withholdings, W-2 and 1099 form generation, direct deposit setup, and PTO tracking. While it supports unlimited payroll runs and basic reporting, it lacks advanced integrations and a modern interface.
Pros
- Completely free for up to 25 employees per company
- Handles federal, state, and local tax calculations and filings
- Unlimited payroll runs with no subscription fees
Cons
- Limited to 25 employees (additional companies allowed but separate)
- Outdated, clunky user interface with manual data entry
- No phone support; email/ticket only, and extra fees for direct deposit
Best For
Very small businesses or startups with under 25 employees seeking a no-cost basic payroll solution without needing advanced features.
Pricing
Free core payroll for up to 25 employees; optional fees for direct deposit ($1.49/employee), tax filing ($5/form), and check printing.
Conclusion
Across the reviewed options, affordability pairs with practicality, ensuring small businesses, freelancers, and growing teams find tailored solutions. At the summit is Gusto, a full-service platform that stands out with automated compliance and HR tools. Close contenders like OnPay, offering unlimited runs and expert support, and Patriot Software, a simple, cost-effective choice, cater to diverse needs, solidifying the list as a go-to resource.
Ready to simplify payroll? Start with Gusto to experience its seamless automation and robust features, or explore OnPay or Patriot if their unique strengths better fit your business requirements.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison