Quick Overview
- 1#1: ADP - Comprehensive cloud-based payroll, HR, talent, and benefits management platform for businesses of all sizes.
- 2#2: Paychex - Integrated payroll processing, HR services, and employee benefits administration for small to large businesses.
- 3#3: Gusto - User-friendly payroll and HR software with automated tax filings and benefits for small businesses.
- 4#4: QuickBooks Payroll - Seamless payroll integration with QuickBooks accounting for easy employee payments and compliance.
- 5#5: Rippling - All-in-one platform for global payroll, HR, IT, and benefits management with device management.
- 6#6: Paylocity - Modern HCM platform offering payroll, talent management, and employee engagement tools.
- 7#7: BambooHR - Intuitive HRIS with payroll add-on for streamlined employee management and onboarding.
- 8#8: OnPay - Affordable full-service payroll with unlimited runs, multi-state support, and dedicated experts.
- 9#9: Workday - Enterprise cloud platform for finance and HR including advanced payroll processing.
- 10#10: Patriot Software - Simple, low-cost payroll and HR software with time and attendance tracking for small businesses.
Tools were ranked based on features (e.g., automation, HR integration), quality (stability, security, support), ease of use (interface, onboarding), and value (pricing, scalability), ensuring a comprehensive overview of top-performing platforms for diverse business sizes.
Comparison Table
Choosing the right payroll software can streamline operations, and this table breaks down top options including ADP, Paychex, Gusto, QuickBooks Payroll, Rippling, and more. It helps readers compare features, pricing, and usability to find the best fit for their business requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ADP Comprehensive cloud-based payroll, HR, talent, and benefits management platform for businesses of all sizes. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Paychex Integrated payroll processing, HR services, and employee benefits administration for small to large businesses. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Gusto User-friendly payroll and HR software with automated tax filings and benefits for small businesses. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 4 | QuickBooks Payroll Seamless payroll integration with QuickBooks accounting for easy employee payments and compliance. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Rippling All-in-one platform for global payroll, HR, IT, and benefits management with device management. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | Paylocity Modern HCM platform offering payroll, talent management, and employee engagement tools. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | BambooHR Intuitive HRIS with payroll add-on for streamlined employee management and onboarding. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | OnPay Affordable full-service payroll with unlimited runs, multi-state support, and dedicated experts. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 9 | Workday Enterprise cloud platform for finance and HR including advanced payroll processing. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 10 | Patriot Software Simple, low-cost payroll and HR software with time and attendance tracking for small businesses. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based payroll, HR, talent, and benefits management platform for businesses of all sizes.
Integrated payroll processing, HR services, and employee benefits administration for small to large businesses.
User-friendly payroll and HR software with automated tax filings and benefits for small businesses.
Seamless payroll integration with QuickBooks accounting for easy employee payments and compliance.
All-in-one platform for global payroll, HR, IT, and benefits management with device management.
Modern HCM platform offering payroll, talent management, and employee engagement tools.
Intuitive HRIS with payroll add-on for streamlined employee management and onboarding.
Affordable full-service payroll with unlimited runs, multi-state support, and dedicated experts.
Enterprise cloud platform for finance and HR including advanced payroll processing.
Simple, low-cost payroll and HR software with time and attendance tracking for small businesses.
ADP
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based payroll, HR, talent, and benefits management platform for businesses of all sizes.
Advanced multi-state and international payroll compliance with automated tax updates across 140+ countries
ADP is a premier cloud-based payroll and HR management platform that automates payroll processing, tax filing, compliance, and employee self-service for businesses of all sizes. It integrates seamlessly with HR tools, benefits administration, time tracking, and talent management to provide end-to-end workforce solutions. With advanced analytics and robust security, ADP helps organizations scale efficiently while minimizing errors and regulatory risks.
Pros
- Comprehensive payroll and HR suite with global compliance support
- Thousands of integrations via ADP Marketplace
- 24/7 expert support and scalable for enterprise growth
Cons
- Custom pricing can be expensive for very small businesses
- Steeper learning curve during initial setup
- Limited customization for niche industry needs
Best For
Mid-market to large enterprises needing robust, compliant payroll and full HR functionality.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$59/month base + $4-$12 per employee/month, depending on features and employee count.
Paychex
enterpriseIntegrated payroll processing, HR services, and employee benefits administration for small to large businesses.
Full-service payroll outsourcing with 100% accuracy guarantee and dedicated tax experts handling all filings.
Paychex is a leading full-service payroll and HR software platform that automates payroll processing, tax filing, benefits administration, and compliance for businesses of all sizes. It integrates time tracking, employee self-service portals, and advanced analytics to streamline workforce management. With robust scalability and dedicated support, Paychex handles complex payroll needs while ensuring regulatory accuracy across multiple states and industries.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one payroll, HR, and benefits management
- Expert tax compliance and filing with accuracy guarantees
- Scalable solutions with strong mobile app and integrations
Cons
- Pricing can be higher for very small businesses
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Custom quotes required, less transparency upfront
Best For
Mid-sized businesses seeking a robust, full-service payroll solution with integrated HR tools and compliance expertise.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts at around $59/month base + $5/employee; full-service plans range from $80–$200+/month depending on features and employee count.
Gusto
specializedUser-friendly payroll and HR software with automated tax filings and benefits for small businesses.
Automated full-service payroll with guaranteed tax accuracy and next-day direct deposit
Gusto is an all-in-one payroll, HR, and benefits platform tailored for small to medium-sized U.S. businesses. It automates payroll processing, tax calculations and filings, direct deposits, and compliance requirements while offering tools for employee onboarding, time tracking, and performance management. The platform integrates with popular accounting software like QuickBooks and provides seamless benefits administration through partnerships with insurance providers.
Pros
- Intuitive, beginner-friendly interface with guided setup
- Full-service payroll including automatic tax filing and compliance
- Robust HR tools like benefits administration and onboarding
Cons
- Pricing scales up quickly for larger teams
- Limited support for international payroll
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized U.S. businesses needing an easy-to-use, comprehensive payroll and HR solution.
Pricing
Simple ($40 base + $6/employee/mo), Plus ($80 base + $12/employee/mo), Premium (custom); contractor plans from $35 base + $6/contractor/mo.
QuickBooks Payroll
specializedSeamless payroll integration with QuickBooks accounting for easy employee payments and compliance.
Deep, automatic sync with QuickBooks Online for real-time accounting and payroll data unification
QuickBooks Payroll is an integrated payroll solution from Intuit designed for small to medium-sized businesses, automating payroll processing, tax calculations, and filings. It handles federal, state, and local tax withholdings, direct deposits, and W-2/1099 forms with guaranteed accuracy. The platform offers employee self-service for payslips and supports benefits administration like health insurance and 401(k) contributions.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting software
- Automated tax filing and payments with accuracy guarantee
- Robust employee self-service portal and mobile app
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to standalone payroll tools
- Steeper learning curve for non-QuickBooks users
- Limited customization in reporting for complex needs
Best For
Small to medium businesses already using QuickBooks Online that need integrated accounting and payroll.
Pricing
Starts at $50/month + $6/employee for Core; Premium $80/month + $9/employee; Elite $125/month + $11/employee (billed annually).
Rippling
enterpriseAll-in-one platform for global payroll, HR, IT, and benefits management with device management.
Seamless synchronization of payroll with HR and IT provisioning, automatically handling device setup, app access, and benefits enrollment during onboarding.
Rippling is an all-in-one workforce management platform that unifies HR, IT, payroll, and benefits administration into a single system. It automates payroll processing, tax filings, compliance, and direct deposits across multiple countries, while integrating employee data for seamless onboarding and offboarding. Designed for scalability, it supports global teams with localized payroll rules and real-time updates.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration of payroll with HR, IT, and benefits for streamlined operations
- Strong global payroll support in 100+ countries with automatic compliance
- Robust automation for payroll runs, deductions, and tax filings
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and customization options
- Pricing can be expensive for small businesses or basic payroll needs
- Limited flexibility for highly customized payroll without professional services
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise companies with global teams needing integrated HR and payroll management.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at around $8 per employee per month, with tiers scaling based on features, users, and add-ons like global payroll.
Paylocity
enterpriseModern HCM platform offering payroll, talent management, and employee engagement tools.
Award-winning mobile-first employee experience hub for seamless access to payroll, benefits, and engagement tools
Paylocity is a comprehensive cloud-based payroll and human capital management (HCM) platform tailored for mid-sized businesses. It streamlines payroll processing, tax compliance, benefits administration, time and attendance tracking, and talent management in one unified system. The software emphasizes employee engagement through self-service portals and a highly rated mobile app, enabling easy access to payslips, PTO requests, and onboarding.
Pros
- All-in-one payroll and HR suite reduces need for multiple tools
- Intuitive mobile app enhances employee self-service
- Robust reporting and compliance automation
Cons
- Pricing is higher for small businesses
- Initial setup can be time-intensive
- Limited support for international payroll
Best For
Mid-sized U.S.-based companies needing integrated payroll, HR, and talent management with strong employee experience features.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at around $20-$40 per employee per month, depending on modules and company size; no public flat rates.
BambooHR
specializedIntuitive HRIS with payroll add-on for streamlined employee management and onboarding.
Fully integrated HR-payroll ecosystem that centralizes employee data, reducing manual data entry and errors across functions
BambooHR is a cloud-based human resources information system (HRIS) that includes payroll processing as a core module, alongside tools for employee management, onboarding, performance reviews, and time tracking. It automates payroll calculations, tax withholdings, direct deposits, and compliance filings for US-based companies across all 50 states. While not a dedicated standalone payroll solution, it shines in integrating payroll seamlessly with broader HR workflows for small to mid-sized businesses.
Pros
- Seamless integration of payroll with HR tools like onboarding and performance management
- Intuitive, mobile-friendly interface that simplifies payroll setup and employee self-service
- Automated compliance, tax filing, and robust reporting for US payroll
Cons
- Limited to US-only payroll with no international support
- Pricing can add up quickly with per-employee fees and add-ons
- Lacks advanced features like multi-state complexity handling found in specialized payroll software
Best For
Small to mid-sized US businesses seeking an all-in-one HR platform with reliable payroll integration.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at about $6 per employee per month for core HR, with payroll add-on at $3.50-$5 per employee per month plus per-pay-period fees.
OnPay
specializedAffordable full-service payroll with unlimited runs, multi-state support, and dedicated experts.
100% payroll tax accuracy guarantee backed by in-house CPAs and payroll experts
OnPay is a full-service payroll software platform designed for small and medium-sized U.S. businesses, offering unlimited payroll runs, automated tax calculations and filings, direct deposit, and employee self-service portals. It includes benefits administration, time-off tracking, and seamless integrations with over 100 apps like QuickBooks and Gusto alternatives. The service emphasizes compliance and accuracy, with in-house experts handling complex multi-state payroll needs.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with fast onboarding and setup
- Unlimited payroll runs and strong multi-state tax support
- Excellent U.S.-based customer support and app integrations
Cons
- Pricing scales with employee count for larger teams
- Limited advanced HR and reporting features compared to enterprise options
- U.S.-only payroll, no international support
Best For
Small to medium-sized U.S. businesses seeking simple, reliable domestic payroll without enterprise complexity.
Pricing
$40 base fee per month + $6 per active employee/month; free setup and 30-day trial available.
Workday
enterpriseEnterprise cloud platform for finance and HR including advanced payroll processing.
Unified data platform enabling real-time payroll processing synced with HR and finance without data silos
Workday is a comprehensive cloud-based enterprise platform specializing in human capital management (HCM), finance, and payroll solutions. Its payroll module automates global payroll processing, tax compliance, benefits integration, and employee self-service while seamlessly connecting with HR and financial data. Ideal for large organizations, it leverages a unified data model for real-time insights and analytics to streamline payroll operations.
Pros
- Seamless integration with HR, finance, and other enterprise systems
- Robust global payroll support across 70+ countries with automatic compliance updates
- Advanced AI-driven analytics and real-time reporting for payroll insights
Cons
- High implementation costs and lengthy setup process
- Steep learning curve for non-enterprise users
- Pricing lacks transparency and is often prohibitive for SMBs
Best For
Large enterprises seeking an integrated HCM suite with advanced global payroll capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $100+ per employee per month for full HCM including payroll, with high upfront implementation fees.
Patriot Software
specializedSimple, low-cost payroll and HR software with time and attendance tracking for small businesses.
Lifetime Tax Penalty Protection Guarantee
Patriot Software offers affordable, cloud-based payroll solutions designed primarily for small businesses in the US. It provides essential features like payroll processing, automatic tax calculations and filings (federal, state, and local), direct deposit, and add-ons for time & attendance and basic HR tools. With a strong emphasis on compliance guarantees and US-based support, it simplifies payroll management without complex setups.
Pros
- Highly affordable pricing for small teams
- Lifetime tax filing guarantee with penalty protection
- Responsive US-based customer support
Cons
- Limited integrations with third-party apps
- Basic reporting and analytics capabilities
- Not ideal for complex multi-state or enterprise needs
Best For
Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees seeking simple, cost-effective payroll and tax compliance.
Pricing
Basic Payroll: $17 base + $4/employee/month; Full Service: $37 base + $4/employee/month; add-ons extra.
Conclusion
Evaluating payroll software reveals three standout leaders: ADP, Paychex, and Gusto, each with distinct strengths to suit varied business needs. ADP, our top choice, impresses with its comprehensive, integrated platform, ideal for businesses of all sizes seeking unified payroll, HR, and benefits management. Paychex and Gusto, ranked second and third, are equally robust—Paychex for seamless integrated solutions, Gusto for user-friendly automation—making them excellent alternatives based on specific priorities.
Explore ADP today, our top-ranked tool, to simplify payroll processes and unlock efficient, compliant operations tailored to your business.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison