Quick Overview
- 1#1: ADP - Offers comprehensive payroll processing, tax filing, HR management, and compliance tools for businesses of all sizes.
- 2#2: Paychex - Delivers full-service payroll, HR solutions, benefits administration, and tax compliance with flexible pricing.
- 3#3: QuickBooks Payroll - Integrates seamless payroll with accounting software for small businesses, handling direct deposits and tax filings.
- 4#4: Gusto - Simplifies payroll, benefits, and HR for small to mid-sized businesses with automated tax compliance and onboarding.
- 5#5: Rippling - Combines payroll, HR, IT, and finance in one platform with global payroll and device management features.
- 6#6: Paycom - Provides employee self-service payroll, talent acquisition, and time management in a single app for mid-to-large enterprises.
- 7#7: UKG - Delivers workforce management, payroll, and HCM solutions with AI-driven analytics for large organizations.
- 8#8: Paylocity - Offers modern payroll, HR, and benefits administration with employee engagement tools via a mobile-first platform.
- 9#9: BambooHR - Provides HRIS with integrated payroll for small to medium businesses, focusing on hiring, onboarding, and performance.
- 10#10: OnPay - Affordable, full-featured payroll software for small businesses with unlimited payroll runs and expert support.
Tools were curated based on feature depth, usability, reliability, and value, ensuring they deliver robust performance across small, mid-sized, and enterprise environments, and align with modern business demands for integration and control.
Comparison Table
Managing payroll efficiently is key for businesses, and selecting the right software can simplify operations and minimize errors. This comparison table covers top options like ADP, Paychex, QuickBooks Payroll, Gusto, Rippling, and more, detailing features, pricing, and usability to help readers find the best fit for their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ADP Offers comprehensive payroll processing, tax filing, HR management, and compliance tools for businesses of all sizes. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 2 | Paychex Delivers full-service payroll, HR solutions, benefits administration, and tax compliance with flexible pricing. | enterprise | 9.0/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 3 | QuickBooks Payroll Integrates seamless payroll with accounting software for small businesses, handling direct deposits and tax filings. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Gusto Simplifies payroll, benefits, and HR for small to mid-sized businesses with automated tax compliance and onboarding. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 5 | Rippling Combines payroll, HR, IT, and finance in one platform with global payroll and device management features. | enterprise | 8.9/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 6 | Paycom Provides employee self-service payroll, talent acquisition, and time management in a single app for mid-to-large enterprises. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | UKG Delivers workforce management, payroll, and HCM solutions with AI-driven analytics for large organizations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 8 | Paylocity Offers modern payroll, HR, and benefits administration with employee engagement tools via a mobile-first platform. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 9 | BambooHR Provides HRIS with integrated payroll for small to medium businesses, focusing on hiring, onboarding, and performance. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | OnPay Affordable, full-featured payroll software for small businesses with unlimited payroll runs and expert support. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.9/10 |
Offers comprehensive payroll processing, tax filing, HR management, and compliance tools for businesses of all sizes.
Delivers full-service payroll, HR solutions, benefits administration, and tax compliance with flexible pricing.
Integrates seamless payroll with accounting software for small businesses, handling direct deposits and tax filings.
Simplifies payroll, benefits, and HR for small to mid-sized businesses with automated tax compliance and onboarding.
Combines payroll, HR, IT, and finance in one platform with global payroll and device management features.
Provides employee self-service payroll, talent acquisition, and time management in a single app for mid-to-large enterprises.
Delivers workforce management, payroll, and HCM solutions with AI-driven analytics for large organizations.
Offers modern payroll, HR, and benefits administration with employee engagement tools via a mobile-first platform.
Provides HRIS with integrated payroll for small to medium businesses, focusing on hiring, onboarding, and performance.
Affordable, full-featured payroll software for small businesses with unlimited payroll runs and expert support.
ADP
enterpriseOffers comprehensive payroll processing, tax filing, HR management, and compliance tools for businesses of all sizes.
ADP DataCloud for AI-driven workforce analytics and predictive insights
ADP is a leading global provider of cloud-based payroll and HR software, offering comprehensive solutions for payroll processing, tax compliance, benefits administration, and talent management. It automates wage calculations, direct deposits, W-2/1099 filings, and regulatory reporting for businesses of all sizes. With platforms like ADP RUN for small businesses and ADP Workforce Now for mid-to-large enterprises, it integrates with over 600 third-party apps for seamless operations.
Pros
- Robust compliance and tax management across multiple jurisdictions
- Scalable solutions with extensive integrations and analytics
- Reliable uptime and processing for high-volume payrolls
Cons
- High cost, especially for small businesses
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- Customer support can be slow during peak seasons
Best For
Medium to large enterprises needing scalable, compliance-heavy payroll and full HR suite.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month + $4-$12/employee for small business plans (ADP RUN); custom enterprise pricing for Workforce Now.
Paychex
enterpriseDelivers full-service payroll, HR solutions, benefits administration, and tax compliance with flexible pricing.
In-house tax professionals handling multi-state compliance and filings automatically
Paychex is a leading full-service payroll and HCM platform that automates payroll processing, tax compliance, direct deposits, and W-2/1099 filings for businesses of all sizes. It integrates HR tools like employee self-service, benefits administration, time and attendance tracking, and talent management into a scalable solution. With robust reporting and mobile access, Paychex helps streamline operations while ensuring regulatory compliance across multiple states and industries.
Pros
- Comprehensive payroll and HR suite with seamless integrations
- Dedicated customer support and compliance expertise
- Scalable for small to enterprise-level businesses
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can strain small business budgets
- Initial setup and learning curve for advanced features
- Custom quotes make transparent pricing challenging
Best For
Mid-sized businesses seeking an all-in-one payroll, HR, and compliance solution with reliable support.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starts around $80/month base + $5-$6 per employee, with add-ons for HR and benefits.
QuickBooks Payroll
enterpriseIntegrates seamless payroll with accounting software for small businesses, handling direct deposits and tax filings.
Deep, automatic integration with QuickBooks Online that syncs payroll directly to accounting books without manual entry
QuickBooks Payroll is a comprehensive payroll solution from Intuit designed for small to medium-sized businesses, automating payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits. It seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks Online accounting software, allowing payroll data to flow directly into financial records for streamlined operations. The platform supports employee self-service portals, benefits management, and compliance tools for multi-state payroll.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks Online for unified accounting and payroll
- Automated tax filing, payments, and compliance across multiple states
- Employee self-service portal and 24/7 chat support
Cons
- Higher cost, especially for small teams without QuickBooks integration
- Advanced HR features like time tracking require premium plans or add-ons
- Occasional learning curve for setup and customization
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses already using QuickBooks Online that need integrated payroll and accounting with strong automation.
Pricing
Core: $50/month + $6/employee; Premium: $80/month + $9/employee; Elite: $125/month + $11/employee (requires separate QuickBooks Online subscription starting at $30/month).
Gusto
specializedSimplifies payroll, benefits, and HR for small to mid-sized businesses with automated tax compliance and onboarding.
Full-service benefits administration that auto-enrolls employees in health, dental, and 401(k) plans with carrier integrations
Gusto is a comprehensive cloud-based payroll, HR, and benefits platform designed primarily for small to medium-sized businesses in the US. It automates payroll processing, tax calculations and filings, employee onboarding, time tracking, and benefits administration. Gusto also provides compliance tools, performance management, and employee self-service features to streamline HR operations.
Pros
- Automated payroll and tax compliance across all 50 states
- Integrated HR tools including onboarding and benefits management
- User-friendly interface with mobile app support
Cons
- Pricing scales per employee, costly for larger teams
- Limited support for international payroll
- Advanced features locked behind premium plans
Best For
Small to mid-sized US businesses needing an all-in-one payroll and HR solution without extensive IT resources.
Pricing
Simple ($40 base + $6/employee/month), Plus ($80 base + $12/employee/month), Premium (custom quote); additional fees for benefits and time tracking.
Rippling
enterpriseCombines payroll, HR, IT, and finance in one platform with global payroll and device management features.
Unified employee record that instantly syncs changes across HR, payroll, benefits, and IT for automated compliance and management.
Rippling is an all-in-one workforce management platform that unifies HR, payroll, IT, and finance operations for businesses of all sizes. It automates payroll processing for US and global employees across 100+ countries, handles onboarding, benefits administration, time off, and device management seamlessly. By syncing employee data in real-time across all modules, Rippling eliminates silos and reduces administrative errors.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform integrating HR, payroll, IT, and benefits
- Strong global payroll support in 100+ countries with automation
- Real-time data sync and 400+ integrations for seamless workflows
Cons
- Higher cost for small businesses or basic needs
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- Quote-based pricing lacks transparency upfront
Best For
Growing mid-sized companies needing an integrated solution for HR, payroll, IT, and global workforce management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at $8 per employee/month for core HR, with payroll add-ons typically $20-40+ per employee/month depending on features and scale.
Paycom
enterpriseProvides employee self-service payroll, talent acquisition, and time management in a single app for mid-to-large enterprises.
Beti® employee-driven portal for self-managing payroll data, time entry, and HR tasks in real-time
Paycom is a comprehensive cloud-based HR and payroll software platform that handles payroll processing, time and labor management, benefits administration, talent acquisition, and performance management all in one system. Its standout Beti® employee self-service portal allows workers to input their own time, update personal information, view pay stubs, and manage benefits directly, reducing HR administrative workload significantly. Paycom emphasizes automation, real-time data accuracy, and compliance tools to support businesses scaling their workforce efficiently.
Pros
- All-in-one platform covering payroll, HR, time tracking, and talent management
- Beti self-service portal empowers employees and cuts HR tasks
- Robust compliance, reporting, and analytics capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve and less intuitive interface for some users
- Pricing lacks transparency and can be costly for small businesses
- Customer support response times vary by reports
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises needing an integrated HR-payroll solution with strong employee self-service features.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $75+ per employee per month depending on modules and company size.
UKG
enterpriseDelivers workforce management, payroll, and HCM solutions with AI-driven analytics for large organizations.
AI-powered intelligent scheduling that predicts workforce needs and auto-adjusts payroll based on real-time data
UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) is a leading provider of human capital management (HCM) software, with powerful payroll processing as a core component alongside HR, timekeeping, and talent management. It offers UKG Pro for large enterprises and UKG Ready for small to mid-sized businesses, enabling accurate payroll calculations, tax compliance, and benefits administration. The platform excels in integrating workforce data for real-time insights and global payroll support across multiple countries.
Pros
- Comprehensive payroll features with strong compliance and global support
- Advanced AI-driven analytics and reporting for workforce insights
- Seamless integration with time, attendance, and HR modules
Cons
- High implementation costs and lengthy setup time
- Steep learning curve for non-enterprise users
- Pricing can be expensive for smaller businesses
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with complex, global payroll needs requiring an integrated HCM suite.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; UKG Ready starts around $15-25 per employee/month for SMBs, while UKG Pro is quote-based often exceeding $20/user/month plus implementation fees.
Paylocity
enterpriseOffers modern payroll, HR, and benefits administration with employee engagement tools via a mobile-first platform.
The intuitive mobile-first Community app that fosters employee engagement through social features, announcements, and self-service tools.
Paylocity is a cloud-based human capital management (HCM) platform that provides comprehensive payroll processing, HR management, benefits administration, time and attendance tracking, and talent management solutions. Designed primarily for mid-sized businesses, it integrates all these functions into a single, user-friendly system with strong emphasis on employee self-service and engagement. The platform also offers advanced analytics, compliance tools, and a mobile app for on-the-go access.
Pros
- All-in-one HCM suite covering payroll, HR, and talent management
- Highly rated mobile app for employee self-service
- Robust reporting and compliance features
Cons
- Custom pricing can be expensive for smaller teams
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- Limited support for international payroll outside the US
Best For
Mid-sized US-based businesses seeking an integrated payroll and HR platform with strong employee engagement capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $20-$40 per employee per month depending on modules and company size.
BambooHR
specializedProvides HRIS with integrated payroll for small to medium businesses, focusing on hiring, onboarding, and performance.
Unified HR-payroll platform that eliminates data silos and sync errors common in separate systems
BambooHR is a cloud-based HRIS platform with integrated payroll processing tailored for US small to mid-sized businesses. It automates payroll runs, tax withholdings, filings, direct deposits, and year-end forms like W-2s. Beyond payroll, it unifies HR functions such as onboarding, time tracking, benefits administration, and employee self-service in one intuitive dashboard.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface with minimal learning curve
- Seamless integration between payroll and HR tools
- Responsive customer support and reliable US compliance
Cons
- Payroll limited to US employees only
- Pricing can become expensive for larger teams
- Lacks advanced features like multi-country payroll or complex union support
Best For
Small to medium-sized US businesses wanting an all-in-one HR and payroll solution without needing extensive customizations.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; core HR starts at ~$6/employee/month, payroll add-on ~$40 base + $4-5/employee/month (billed annually).
OnPay
specializedAffordable, full-featured payroll software for small businesses with unlimited payroll runs and expert support.
Unlimited payroll runs, enabling frequent pay cycles like daily or weekly without additional fees
OnPay is a full-service payroll software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, handling payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and payments automatically. It also includes HR tools like onboarding, benefits administration, time tracking, and compliance management. The platform stands out for its user-friendly interface and robust integrations with accounting software such as QuickBooks and Xero.
Pros
- Unlimited payroll runs at no extra cost
- Expert support for setup and tax filing
- Seamless integrations with popular accounting tools
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting
- No native mobile app for employees
- Setup requires initial data entry effort
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking an affordable, all-in-one payroll and basic HR solution without complex needs.
Pricing
$40 base fee + $6 per employee/month; 1-month free trial available.
Conclusion
The top 10 payroll tools reviewed span options for businesses of all sizes, with ADP emerging as the clear leader, offering comprehensive processing, tax filing, HR, and compliance tools. Paychex follows closely, valued for its flexible pricing and full-service support, while QuickBooks Payroll stands out for seamless integration with accounting software, making it ideal for small business users. Each tool brings unique strengths, but ADP solidifies its position as the top choice.
Take the next step in streamlining your operations—explore ADP to unlock its all-in-one capabilities, or consider Paychex or QuickBooks if your needs align more with specific features; either way, these top tools are designed to simplify payroll and enhance efficiency.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison